Osbourn Park High School
Center for Biotechnology & Engineering
The Center for Biotechnology and Engineering is a four-year program of study for students interested in health sciences, engineering, and related fields. This program emphasizes the broad understanding of theory and the application of science, math, and engineering to real-world issues. It provides students with opportunities to pursue authentic and meaningful, hands-on research projects. The Center for Biotechnology and Engineering provides students with a rich environment of integrated humanities and the opportunity to enroll in a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) science courses. Students pursuing this program are required to complete an Advanced Studies Diploma. Key elements of the Center for Biotechnology and Engineering include specialized science courses in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics; integrated social studies and language arts classes in grades 9 and 10, designed to help students examine how history, literature, art, architecture, music, and philosophy are influenced by science; biotechnology or engineering strands in grades 11 and 12 to complete the program; variety of science, math, and engineering choices that include high-interest classes; science and engineering-related extracurricular and co-curricular community activities and partnerships.
Biotechnology and Engineering at OPHS Service Hours
Biotech & Engineering students are required to complete 100 service hours to receive the Biotechnology Pathway or Engineering Pathway Certificate. The full documentation of at least 100 hours is due by May 1 of the senior year. They can be service or learning hours that relate to material learned or ideas that are related to a science or engineering class or the program as a whole. Judging a science fair, ecology club, robotics club, science or nature camp, and going to museums are a few examples of things that count in addition to donating time to a science service organization. We want to see that students are applying what they learn in school to the real world and that students are making connections between the classroom and their lives outside of the classroom.
Required BioTech and Engineering Hours
How to Receive Credit
Students should submit all service hours using the Microsoft Form below. You will submit science hours, book reflections, and community service hours all in the form. You will not need to submit any additional documentation. Directions are included in the form with all you need to successfully submit your hours!
Please note that reflections are not required for community service activities, only science hours submitted.
To submit your hours, please complete the Biotech & Engineering Hours Form.
If you have questions about completing Biotechnology & Engineering service hours, view the Frequently Asked Questions section, where you may very well find the answers to your questions. If you are still unsure, please email Mrs. Wilson Keys at [email protected].
Biotechnology & Engineering Hours Opportunities
Bennett ES Math Science Night Volunteers Needed
Bennett ES will be holding a Math-Science family night on February 26, and they are seeking student volunteers to help with running stations and then a small clean.
The lead teacher for the evening is Ms. Kristen Thorp. If there are specific questions or whom to seek for checking in. Please use the link below if you are interested, and this does count for Biotechnology Program hours.
Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054DADAE2A1-62419223-bnes
Biotech Book Club 2026!
Students are welcome and encouraged to get reading and write a reflection paper to earn 15 hours per book. You are welcome to choose any book listed on this site, maintained by our Library Ladies. Check out this link, which is updated regularly with Biotech book club-approved readings!
All reports should be submitted through the online hours reporting Form linked above.
Your book reflection must be typed and include the following information:
- Your name and grade
- The book's title
- The name of the author
- A description of the setting of the book
- A description of the main character
- A thorough description of what happened in the book
- A thorough explanation of how science was used in the book and if it was reasonable and ethical
- Your opinion of the book
Book Discussion Sessions
Students will earn 15 hours for reading the selected books below, completing a book report, and an additional two hours for attending the book discussions:
Tankborn by Karen Sandler (2nd quarter’s book: meeting is 1/22/2026)
In this dystopian story, society is split into two tiers: “trueborn” people, who are considered fully human with all the rights implied by this status, and tankborn people, or “Genetically Engineered Non-humans” — clones — who are forced to work for trueborns. Kayla and Mishalla, two tankborn girls, know that their friendship will end when they are sent to their respective Assignments; but as they learn more about the trueborn families they are serving, the girls realise that there is something even more sinister at the heart of their society.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer (3rd quarter’s book: meeting 3/26/2026)
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg.
She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
AdelAIDE: Just Wants to Help by Melinda Salisbury (4th quarter’s book: meeting is 5/7/2026)
This dyslexia-friendly novella tells the story of a home-assistant robot whose help turns harmful. Freya is a teenager who loves the environment but is consumed with jealousy that her former best friend, Hye-jin, is a more successful online pro-environment influencer than she is. Freya’s stepdad brings home a new device, AdelAIDE, an AI who can help with anything — including getting more attention for Freya’s online profile. AdelAIDE’s advice gets results but leads Freya down a dangerous path, and she soon finds herself in deeper trouble than she ever expected.
Micron Virtual Job Shadowing Program
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a high-tech career in the Semiconductor Industry?
Micron will offer monthly virtual job shadow experiences for 9th - 12th grade students. Students will spend three hours learning about the semiconductor industry, interacting with employees in certain careers, and finding out what it takes to pursue that career! Each month, there will be different Job shadow careers to choose from. When you sign up, you will receive additional information to attend the event, including your virtual link.
NOVA SySTEMic Current Events
Northern Virginia Community College's STEM Outreach Program - NOVA SySTEMic - and several NOVA and industry partners invite you to an equipping and exciting series of virtual events! For more information, go to www.nvcc.edu/systemic
Free Online Coursework
Visit Coursera for a wide variety of FREE online coursework in science, engineering, and health. There are 1,000s of free courses. Sort by science/engineering area of interest and print the certificate upon completion. Johns Hopkins has a course on Contact Tracing as well! Click here to access the free coursework.
Cisco Networking Academy Coursework
Cisco offers a variety of free coursework for students from Introduction to Cyber Security to Linux Essentials. Please visit their site to sign up. https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_sg/partners/cisco-networking-academy/
Free NASA Opportunities for Virginia High School Students!
Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provides the following free STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) opportunities for Virginia high school students in grades 10 through 12.
10th Grade
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)
Online course for 10th grade students focusing on missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore, with a week-long summer academy program at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. http://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/
11th and 12th Grade
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Online course for 11th and 12th grade students focusing on NASA's human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and on to Mars with a week-long summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center. Students can earn up to four free dual enrollment college credits. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/
11th and 12th Grade
Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS)
This interactive online earth system science course for 11th and 12th grade students features NASA scientific research and data. Students can earn up to five dual enrollment college credits and can also be selected to attend a summer academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS
Our online course applications are open until October 25th for 10th - 12th grade students to apply.
Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology
The Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Old Dominion University (ODU), University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Tech (VT) and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program was funded by the General Assembly with the purpose of increasing the number of high school graduates who pursue STEM careers by increasing students' access to STEM enrichment experiences. Applications will be available mid-November. Please visit the BLAST website for more information.
Army Educational Outreach Program - STEM Apprenticeship Opportunities for High School Students
The Army Educational Outreach program apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to conduct real-world, Army-sponsored research alongside scientists and engineers in world-class facilities. They inspire students to pursue further education and careers in STEM. A brief description of each program is included below.
Research & Engineering Program (REAP)
A commuter summer STEM program that places talented high school students from groups historically under-represented and under-served in STEM. Research apprenticeships take place at universities. REAP apprentices work on a hands-on research project under the direct supervision of a mentor.
High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)
A commuter summer STEM program, open to current high school juniors and seniors with an authentic science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office. Through this summer commuter program, students will develop skills in critical science and engineering research areas.
Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
A commuter summer program that matches practicing Department of Defense (DOD) scientists with talented high school students creating a direct mentor-student relationship. SEAP participants receive first-hand research experience and exposure to DOD laboratories.
Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars Course
Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars (VESSS) is a free program that allows high school juniors and seniors to earn up to five transferable college credits by engaging in a NASA-developed course using an Environmental/Earth Science theme. The Online course teaches a broad range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning. Based on course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an all-expense-paid, seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center.
Application Information
Specialty program applications will be accepted November 3, 2025-February 1, 2026.
Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.
Who can apply?
Applications for this program are open to rising 9th and 10th grade students who live in Prince William County. Applicants must have a “C” or better in all classes to qualify for admission.
Program Type
Transfer Program – Students participating in this program will transfer to Osbourn Park High School for all courses and activities. Express Bus Transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.
Specialty Program Information Sessions
Osbourn Park High School will host two program-specific information sessions. We will be on hand to share information about the Biotechnology/Engineering Program, the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program, and the Pre-Governor's School Program, which are available to OPHS students, transfer students, and rising ninth and 10th grade students.
If you have questions about any of the programs available at OPHS, feel free to join us. The informational sessions will be held on November 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. and January 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Osbourn Park High School.
Important Dates
- November 3, 2025, at 8 a.m. – Specialty Program Application Opens
- February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. – Specialty Program Application Closes
- March 1, 2026 – Application results will be available for parents
- March 5, 2026 – Deadline to accept or decline an offer
Complete the Online Specialty Program Application
- The application must be completed by a parent/guardian.
- The student's grade level for the 2026-27 school year and attendance areas will determine the specialty programs available when completing the application.
- Up to five programs can be selected for high school students.
- The selected programs must be ranked in order of preference before submitting the application.
Parents/guardians: You must use an email address or phone number associated with your ParentVUE account when creating an account.
- Go to the PWCS Specialty Programs Application website.
- Select sign up and choose if you want to register using an email address or phone number associated with your ParentVUE account.
- For phone number:
- Enter your mobile phone number in the box and select Send Verification Code.
- Once you receive the verification code via text message, type it into the verification code box and select Verify.
- Enter and confirm your password.
- For email address:
- Enter your email into the textbox, enter and confirm your password, and select sign up again.
- A confirmation message will appear and you will receive an email containing a verification link.
- Click Verify account in the email. A confirmation message will appear and you can now log in.
Program Information
Transfer Program
Students participating in this program will transfer to the program location for all courses and activities.
Express bus transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.
Returning Specialty Program Students
Each year, returning students will need to complete the Specialty Program Intent Form. Once the form is released for the 2026-27 school year, the link will be posted here. OPHS will notify students and parents via email.
OPHS Science Fair 2026
Biotech students are welcome and encouraged to participate in the OPHS school-based science fair to earn 30 hours and an additional 10 hours if they qualify for regionals.
Science fair participation facilitates skills that are essential in preparation for undergraduate and graduate degrees, including academic writing, verbal, written, and public communication, and problem-solving skills. Science fair is an exceptional way for students to engage in active learning and develop sufficient science literacy. In addition to these benefits, science fair participation helps distinguish students on college applications. I encourage biotech students to participate in the science fair with a partner or individually.
Science Fair 2026 Dates and Deadline
Judging for the OPHS Science and Engineering Fair will be held on January 21 – January 25, 2026.
- Students should complete their Science Fair project by January 20, 2026.
- Winning projects will earn the opportunity to move on to the districtwide PWCS Regional Science Fair.
- Winning projects will be announced on January 30, 2026.
- Registration information for the PWCSEF can be found here.
- Students must be on the Science Fair Canvas page to see additional announcements/instructions.
- Information about mini-grant applications can also be found on the OPHS Canvas Science Fair page.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Wilson-Keys, Science Fair Administrator
Ms. Szabo-Maas, Science Fair Coordinator
Biotechnology Pathway Requirements
All Biotechnology and Engineering students are required to complete the Advanced Studies Diploma, including study in 3 or more science disciplines. They must also complete all their courses with a grade of “C” or better. In addition, they must complete a total of seven science courses, with two of those courses being at the AP level. Lastly, all Biotech and Engineering students must complete and fully document 100 hours of extracurricular activities that correspond to the goals and objectives of the Biotechnology and Engineering program by May 1 of their senior year.
Required Courses
- Pre-AP English 9
- Pre-AP World History 1
- Advanced Biology
- Advanced Chemistry
- Any Physics course
- Algebra 2
- All Advanced Diploma requirements
AP Science Courses
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics I, AP Physics II, AP Physics C
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Capstone Series
- AP Psychology
- AP Human Geography
Biotech Pathway Electives
- Earth Science (will no longer count as a biotech elective starting with the class of 2029)
- Geology (will no longer count as a biotech elective starting with the class of 2029)
- PLTW Engineering courses
- Engineering Exploration/Robotics
- PLTW Biomedical Science Courses
- Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry
- Biology II: Introduction to DNA and Biotechnology
- Biology II: Introduction to Genetics
- Biology II: Forensics and Microbiology
- Scientific Illustration
- Oceanography (will no longer count as a biotech elective starting with the class of 2029)
- AP Capstone series
- Computer Science courses
Engineering Pathway Requirements
Students who wish to pursue the Engineering pathway in 11th and 12th grades must be in good standing in the Biotechnology or Pre-Governor’s School program, be enrolled in Algebra 2 or higher math class, and have completed their first 50 Biotechnology service hours. All students completing the Engineering pathway will be required to work towards the completion of an advanced studies diploma. Students will study six courses that support the accelerated study of math and science while introducing principles of engineering. Students will maintain at least a C average in all of their courses as well as their engineering course electives.
Required Courses
- AP Calculus (AB or BC)
- AP Physics (I, II, or C)
- AP Science Elective (Environmental, Chemistry, Biology)
AP Electives
- AP Capstone (Seminar); or
- AP Statistics; or
- AP Computer Science
Engineering Pathway Electives
Must take at least 2 of the following courses:
- PLTW Intro to Engineering Design
- PLTW Principles of Engineering
- PLTW Civil Engineering & Architecture
- PLTW Digital Electronics
- PLTW Engineering Design & Development
- Engineering Explorations
- Technical Drawing
- Architectural Drawing
- Engineering Drawing