This fall middle and high school teachers from around the state will introduce their students to biotech experiments ranging from gene splicing to forensics.

That’s after attending the Summer Biotechnology Academy at Athens Technical College.

For years Georgia has pushed for growth in the multi billion dollar biotech industry using state dollars to train workers.

Athens Tech professor Jeff Rapp says the program gives students an early introduction to the industry.

"They’re not just sitting in the classroom listening to the teacher talk but they’re actually doing it with their own hands and that’s what increases their engagement in the learning process," Rapp said.

The program is funded by $45,000 from the U.S. Department of Education.

The money also pays for equipment and supplies needed to do biotechnology activities in the classroom.

Tags: Athens, Athens Technical College, biotechnology, Georgia biotech, biotech, Summer Biotechnology Academy, Jeff Rapp