State announces $12.7M to support life sciences ed, workforce development

WALTHAM — The Healey administration on Friday announced $12.7 million in grants through the Massachusetts Life Science Center to boost life sciences education and workforce development.

The center is awarding more than $3.3 million for 49 projects through the STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program. This funding will serve nearly 56,000 students at 131 schools and provide professional development opportunities for more than 320 teachers. The program prepares students for life sciences careers by enabling schools to purchase lab equipment, materials, supplies, and technology, and provide teachers with professional development opportunities that support the implementation of advanced curricula and standards alignment.

Awardees include:

• Hadley Public Schools, Hadley, $48,789

• Hampshire Regional School District, Westhampton, $27,323

• Pioneer Valley Regional School District, Northfield, $84,750

• Veritas Preparatory Charter School, Springfield, $31,758

• Westfield Public Schools, Westfield, $59,406

The center also is awarding nearly $9.5 million in capital funding to 18 institutions through the Workforce Development Capital Grant Program. The funding will serve more than 3,000 students. This program aims to develop and expand life sciences education and training programs offered by post-secondary academic institutions and nonprofit organizations through capital investment in industry-aligned certificate and degree programs.

Awardees include:

• Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, $590,602

• Western New England University, Springfield, $249,368

• Westfield State University, Westfield, $453,957

Since its inception, the center has awarded more than $31.8 million to 467 public schools. Funding has served schools in all 14 Massachusetts counties and all 26 Gateway Cities, including all vocational-technical schools offering life sciences programs. This funding has leveraged more than $4.8 million in matching funds. The center also 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.

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