WALTHAM – Thursday, December 19, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) today announced more than $3.27 million in grants to support the purchase of life sciences training equipment and supplies for 35 public high schools and training programs throughout Massachusetts. Grant recipients include vocational technical schools, public high schools in Gateway Cities, Title 1, Part A high schools, high schools implementing innovative STEM curriculum, and workforce training organizations that support such high schools. Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $10 million through three rounds of funding.
“Continuing to invest in STEM education in our schools will create new jobs and opportunities for the next generation of students and leaders in our economy,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “By partnering with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, these investments will allow students to gain more hands-on experience in the classroom, further engaging them in STEM fields that will get them excited about future careers in our innovative industries.”
Awardees provide an array of training ranging from general STEM education curricula to biotechnology. The student population that will benefit from these equipment grants represents a diverse workforce.
The grant program seeks to further the development of the state’s life sciences workforce by providing funding of up to $250,000 per institution for life sciences equipment and supplies. To be eligible for an award of greater than $100,000, applicants must have secured matching funds or in-kind donations from an industry partner that supports the training program for which the equipment and supplies are needed. Industry sponsors have contributed nearly $300,000 in matching funds and in-kind donations as part of this year’s program.
“Training students to enter the life sciences workforce is a critical part of the Center’s mission,” said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the MLSC. “We want to make those opportunities available to all students across the state, which is why we are focusing resources in this round of grant awards on our voc-tech schools, Title 1 high schools and public high schools in our Gateway Cities. These investments will both strengthen and diversify our life sciences workforce in Massachusetts.”
“Our efforts to train the next generation of scientists and engineers depends on our ability to engage students in these fields from a young age,” said Congressman Joe Kennedy, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s STEM Education Advisory Council. “These grants for high schools across our Commonwealth will help provide students with the resources and equipment necessary to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. I’d like to applaud each school on earning these grants, and commend the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for consistently forward-thinking investments.”
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an investment agency that supports life sciences innovation, research, development and commercialization. The MLSC is charged with implementing a 10-year, $1-billion, state-funded investment initiative. These investments create jobs and support advances that improve health and well-being. The MLSC offers the nation’s most comprehensive set of incentives and collaborative programs targeted to the life sciences ecosystem. These programs propel the growth that has made Massachusetts the global leader in life sciences. The MLSC creates new models for collaboration and partners with organizations, both public and private, around the world to promote innovation in the life sciences. For more information, visit www.masslifesciences.com.
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
