For Sidney, a 26-year-old biology major at Austin Community College District (ACC), the path to a science career has been anything but linear. Homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, they got their first taste of college life through ACC’s dual credit program in 2015.
“I was an overachieving homeschooler who craved structure. ACC offered that structure,” says Sidney. “I chose to return to ACC rather than going somewhere else, because ACC feels like home. Stepping onto an ACC campus is stepping into a safe space of learning, care, and growth.”
Sidney’s educational journey paused after high school as they navigated personal and health challenges.
“I took a four-year break from school. It was just supposed to be a year. In 2019, I developed an autoimmune disease that put my life on pause. COVID hit, and that didn’t help either. In 2022, I joined the International Nature Journaling community, which re-sparked my passion for science.”
With a renewed passion for science—and improving health—Sidney returned to ACC. That’s when they discovered the ACC Bioscience Incubator (ABI), and everything clicked.
“I needed a job. I saw the ABI internship listing, and I knew it was for me. I was interested in the work, the people, and the mission. I could work in my field of interest and get the money I needed to build my life.”
The ACC Bioscience Incubator is a state-of-the-art lab facility located at ACC Highland. It serves as a launchpad for early-stage biotechnology startups, providing them with the lab space and tools they need to innovate. But it’s also a powerful training ground for students.
“I’m always surprised how many people don’t know it exists—even people at Highland every day! But once they hear about it, they’re amazed. It’s one of the coolest things happening at ACC—and I’m so proud to have been a part of it.”
Through paid internships, ACC students—regardless of major—gain hands-on experience working alongside biotech professionals. Since 2016, ABI interns have logged 258 hours of lab experience and collectively earned $244,000, which translates to:
- 700 grocery visits,
- 8,133 full tanks of gas, or
- 11 years of rent.
As a Laboratory Maintenance Technician intern, Sidney ensured ABI’s high-tech lab stayed in top shape.
“My job was to maintain the lab space and equipment so these companies could do their jobs without worrying about upkeep and repairs. I performed preventative maintenance on our equipment so it ran smoothly. I troubleshooted and repaired broken or malfunctioning equipment.”
But the work that truly lit a spark? Outreach.
“I got to design and run activities for over 300 middle and high school students who visited the lab. They got a glimpse into the world of science and what it looks like to work in a real lab—right here at ACC.”
Sidney says their time at ACC—and particularly at the ABI—has been transformational.
“Beyond academics, I gained confidence. I know that I can succeed in my goals. ACC had provided me the tools I needed to continue my education when I needed a little extra time and help.”
They plan to transfer in spring 2026 to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree and eventually build a career in research and science communication.
These internships aren’t limited to science majors. Students from any field of study can apply—and the experience is transformative. ABI interns receive three times more lab experience than students typically gain in classroom settings.
For more information, visit austincc.edu/incubator.