Awards to Support STEM Curricula at 91 Schools and Expand Training Programs at 20 Institutions, Preparing more than 42,000 Students for Exciting Careers in Life Sciences and STEM Fields

FRAMINGHAM - On July 22, 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $13.1 million in grants through the Massachusetts Life Science Center’s (MLSC) STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant program and the Workforce Development Capital Grant program. Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao joined Senate President Karen Spilka, MLSC, and state and local officials to announce the awards at Sanofi in Framingham.  

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our administration’s commitment to supporting the life sciences industry, including by investing in education and training opportunities that will inspire a new generation of life science and STEM field workers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By sparking early interest in the life sciences among students and funding industry-aligned programs, we are creating a world-class talent pipeline and supporting the continued growth of life sciences companies in Massachusetts.”

“Our workforce remains our calling card in the life sciences and other key sectors thanks to our top-tier educational system and outstanding training and higher education institutions,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are incredibly proud to support so many institutions, students, and teachers with these awards as we expand opportunity regionally and grow a talent pool that is the envy of the world for life science employers.”

“We are excited to be in Framingham to announce today’s awards, as this community and the MetroWest region exemplify the continued return on investment of the Life Sciences Initiative,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, who serves as Co-Chair of the MLSC Board of Directors. “Congratulations to our awardees – we cannot wait to see these students continue their education journeys and pursue rewarding careers at Massachusetts life science companies like Sanofi.”

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to investments that grow our already world-class talent pipeline for sectors that are critical to our innovation economy,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “These awards support vital educational and training providers across Massachusetts that are creating access and opportunities for students and ensuring we extend our lead in the life sciences space.”  

"When people think about life sciences in the United States, they think of Massachusetts. When people think of life sciences in Massachusetts, they think of MetroWest," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is one of the reasons for that. The grants awarded today will train the next generation of life sciences experts right here in our state, and offer thousands of students a springboard into well-paying jobs and into the middle class, including many who are right here in Framingham. I'm tremendously grateful to Secretary Hao and the leadership of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for their continued confidence in MetroWest, and their vision for life sciences across the entire Commonwealth."

“Investing heavily in the growth of the life sciences industry here in Massachusetts has been a constant priority for the House, exemplified most recently by the House’s historic proposed investment in the industry, and the 10-year reauthorization of the Life Sciences Initiative that is also included in the House’s economic development bill,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for thoughtfully allocating the funding that is being announced today, and I look forward to continuing our strong support for this critical industry of the future.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration proposed a $1 billion, 10-year reauthorization of the Life Sciences Initiative in the Mass Leads Act, the administration’s economic development bill, to extend Massachusetts’ leadership as the global leader in this cutting-edge industry. The new initiative prioritizes competitiveness, innovation, and equity by creating better workforce pathways into industry careers and improving health outcomes for Massachusetts residents.    

"Now and into the future, we remain committed to accelerating impactful educational and career opportunities across Massachusetts,” said MLSC Acting CEO and Vice President of Economic Development and Partnerships Jeanne LeClair. “Massachusetts students deserve these opportunities, which we hope sparks interest in a thriving industry as we continue to increase the number of schools and institutions that are strengthening and diversifying our life sciences talent pipeline.”

Following today’s grant announcement, state and local officials toured Sanofi’s award-winning digitally enabled manufacturing facility in Framingham, one of the world’s first digital facilities using intensified, continuous production technologies. 

“Grounded by our rich heritage and driven by our patient-focused, science led approach, we are proud of our legacy and our unwavering commitment to the communities where we live and work across the Commonwealth,” said Deborah Glasser, Head, Specialty Care North America and U.S. Country Lead at Sanofi. “As one of the largest life sciences companies in Massachusetts, we applaud today’s announcement and the continued investment in STEM education and workforce development.”

Framingham Public Schools is receiving $159,617 through the STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program to support four schools serving 2,673 students and providing professional development for more than a dozen teachers. The funds will be used toward high-quality instruction material for life science units for students and educator training. The funds will also be used to purchase virtual/augmented reality equipment to support highly engaging life science curricula.

STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grants
MLSC is awarding nearly $2.8 million in capital and teacher professional development funding for 30 projects through the STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant program. This funding will serve more than 37,000 students at 91 schools and provide professional development opportunities for more than 460 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: 

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Workforce Development Capital Grants
MLSC is awarding $10.3 million in capital funding to 20 institutions through the Workforce Development Capital Grant program. The funding will serve more than 5,000 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:  

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Since its inception, the MLSC has awarded more than $28.5 million to 295 public schools. Funding has served schools in all 14 Massachusetts counties and all 26 Gateway Cities. This funding has leveraged more than $3.8 million in matching funds. With respect to higher education, the MLSC has now awarded more than $191 million to support the construction, renovation, and/or outfitting of life sciences laboratories and training facilities at 55 institutions, including 16 two-year/community colleges.

About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center?
The?Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)?is an economic development investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world.?Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics and digital health.?Since its creation in 2007, the MLSC has strategically deployed more than $970 million in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives and workforce programs. These investments have created thousands of jobs and propelled the development of new therapies, devices and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being in Massachusetts and beyond.?