New $253K grant will expand Massasoit’s biotech skills training
Massasoit Community College has received a $253,128 grant to enhance its life sciences program.
The grant, from the Healey-Driscoll Administration through the Massachusetts Life Science Center, will support the college’s Life Sciences Research Skills Micro-Credentialing Program, according to a community announcement. The program aims to equip students with high-demand laboratory and research skills.
The award is part of a $12.7 million investment from the Commonwealth, supporting 131 schools and expanding training programs at 18 institutions. The Workforce Development Capital Grant program focuses on building, expanding and enhancing life sciences education and training programs at colleges and nonprofit organizations. Other recipients include Boston University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Grant will help fill talent gap
Massasoit’s program addresses the talent gap in the Commonwealth’s life sciences and biotechnology sectors. The hybrid program integrates flexible online instruction with hands-on, industry-aligned training in eight key skill areas, ensuring students master competencies critical for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical research roles.
MLSC funding is essential to expanding access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including an ECHO Revolve microscope, Artel PCS Pipette Calibration System and modern spectrophotometers. This equipment is standard in life sciences research but currently unavailable at Massasoit. MLSC will directly contribute to strengthening Massachusetts’ life sciences workforce, ensuring that local talent is prepared to meet the increasing demand for skilled laboratory professionals in the state’s rapidly expanding biotech ecosystem.
Grant will expand program’s reach
“This support will scale our program’s reach, allowing a diverse pool of students to receive no-cost, hands-on workforce training, increasing equitable access to high-growth STEM careers,” said Dr. Katie Ruggieri, dean of STEM at Massasoit Community College. “Without this investment, students would lack exposure to cutting-edge laboratory technologies, significantly limiting their preparedness for internships, technician roles and career advancement in the field.”
The Massachusetts Life Science Center has awarded more than $205 million to support the construction, renovation and outfitting of life sciences laboratories and training facilities at 58 higher education institutions, including 16 two-year or community colleges.
“Massasoit is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Life Science Center for their continued support of education and workforce development opportunities across the higher education sector,” said Bill Mitchell, president of Massasoit Community College. “Massasoit’s highly respected STEM program provides students of all backgrounds access to lucrative careers in life sciences and biotech. We’re proud to be one of two community colleges in the current round of awards.”
Grant part of larger investment
The grant is part of a larger effort by the state to invest in life sciences education and training. The Workforce Development Capital Grant program is designed to build, expand and enhance life sciences education and training programs at colleges and nonprofit organizations. The program is part of a $12.7 million investment from the Commonwealth, supporting 131 schools and expanding training programs at 18 institutions.
The grant will help Massasoit expand its Life Sciences Research Skills Micro-Credentialing Program, which integrates flexible online instruction with hands-on, industry-aligned training in eight key skill areas. The program is designed to ensure students master competencies critical for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical research roles.
The funding will also help Massasoit expand access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including an ECHO Revolve microscope, Artel PCS Pipette Calibration System and modern spectrophotometers. This equipment is standard in life sciences research but currently unavailable at Massasoit.
The grant will directly contribute to strengthening Massachusetts’ life sciences workforce, ensuring that local talent is prepared to meet the increasing demand for skilled laboratory professionals in the state’s rapidly expanding biotech ecosystem.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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