MBI Increasing Diversity in STEM Challenge Grants & Workforce Challenge Grants fund programs that increase the diversity of the life sciences workforce

Worcester, MA (February 14, 2023) – Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), the longest-running life sciences incubator in the Commonwealth, last week announces the recipients of its 2022 Increasing Diversity in STEM & Workforce Challenge Grants. MBI’s Increasing Diversity in STEM Challenge Grants and Workforce Challenge Grants help fund programs that increase the diversity of the life sciences workforce while also solving the industry’s future workforce needs.

“The work these programs are doing is vital to ensuring a healthy, vibrant, and diverse life sciences workforce,” said Jon Weaver, President and CEO of MBI. “Industry and academia often speak different languages but have common goals.  The focus of MBI’s Challenge Grants is to help translate, promote collaboration, and create opportunities for new and diverse populations to join the growing industry.”

MBI welcomed all Challenge Grant recipients to its 17 Briden Street facility in Worcester last week to meet other recipients, create opportunity for connection and collaboration amongst recipients, and for recipients to tour of the facility and meet the emerging life sciences companies that reside at MBI. Recipients also received a certificate from State Representative John Mahoney (D-Worcester).

A report from CBRE titled Life Sciences Research Talent 2022 ranked Worcester the 15th best market in the US for life sciences research talent. In addition, MassBio predicts that 40,000 new Life Science jobs will be created by 2024. As a result, there is a growing need for programs that assess future job opportunities and generate certificates that align with the minimum requirements for employment within the industry.

Increasing Diversity in STEM Challenge Grants and Workforce Challenge Grants reimburse recipients for program funding spent during the 2023 calendar year. Recipients are eligible to reapply for funding for the next calendar year.

Increasing Diversity in STEM Grant recipients include:

• Quinsigamond Community College: Funding will support diversification in STEM through accessible early college courses, youth exposure to STEM and STEM careers, and adult learning programs.
• Worcester State University: Funding will support STEM Enrichment through hands on experience for middle and high schoolers, adult learners, and families.
• Mass Academy of Math and Science: Funding will support the free Creative Engineering and Design afterschool program for elementary and middle school students.

Workforce Challenge Grant recipients include:

• Quinsigamond Community College: Funding will support a new 18-hour, stand-alone cell culture module that will be added to the existing 10-week Biomanufacturing Technician program.
• MassBioEd: Funding will support the continuation and expansion of its Biomanufacturing Technician Apprenticeship program and a new Laboratory Support Specialist program that consists of seven months of education and eight months of on-the-job training.
• Massachusetts Life Sciences Center: Funding will support the MassNextGen program which supports life science entrepreneurs.

Photos available upon request

About Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives

MBI is the longest running life sciences incubator in the Commonwealth. MBI’s mission is to be a partner for fostering innovation in the life sciences by helping companies bring lifesaving products to patients, create jobs, and promote economic development in Central MA and throughout the Commonwealth. It is estimated that since 2000, MBI has assisted over 175 companies that have created over 1,025 jobs and raised over $1,000,000,000.