MLSC Pathmaker awards will help create 402 life sciences training opportunities across Massachusetts
BEDFORD, Mass. — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) announced $4.2 million in awards through the MLSC’s Pathmaker program, which provides funding to build and scale job training pathways that prepare Massachusetts residents for careers in the life sciences. The awards will help create more than 400 life sciences training opportunities across the Commonwealth.
“Developing our workforce is essential to sustaining Massachusetts’ global leadership in life sciences innovation,” said Economic Development Secretary and MLSC Board Chair Eric Paley. “By investing in programs that connect people to rewarding careers, we’re helping them gain the training they need to succeed while also ensuring that our companies can continue to grow right here in Massachusetts.”
Secretary Paley announced the awards today during a ribbon cutting at Middlesex Community College (MCC) celebrating new labs supported by $1.5 million in grants from the MLSC. The two new facilities include the Henderson Hall Life Sciences Center and the Robotics and Automation Training Lab. Together, they expand MCC’s ability to deliver industry-aligned training that will prepare students to enter the life sciences workforce. Additionally, the Robotics and Automation Training Lab will serve as the hub for MCC’s PathmakerTECH program in advanced manufacturing and medical device automation.
“The work happening here at Middlesex Community College truly exemplifies the mission of the Pathmaker program,” said MLSC President and CEO Kirk Taylor, MD. “Through the expansion of hands-on training programs and investment in cutting-edge equipment and facilities, we’re creating pathways for Massachusetts residents to gain industry experience and step into impactful careers in the life sciences.”
“Robotics and automation and the life sciences are two of the most in-demand fields in the state,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “At MCC, our goal is to offer comprehensive workforce training that prepares our students for immediate entry into stable and well-paying jobs. We offer hands-on opportunities that equip students with the skills and real-world experiences they need to be successful, combined with strong partnerships with organizations across the state. Thank you to Secretary Paley, Dr. Taylor, and representatives from Insulet for joining us in celebrating the opening of our incredible new spaces and for their continued support of MCC’s programs.”
The Pathmaker awards announced today include:
Harvard MEDscience, Boston – $395,727 to support 40 training seats
The Harvard MEDscience Pathmaker Workforce Training Program is helping to diversify the life sciences talent pipeline. Through partnerships with local employers, the program offers a curriculum centered on career engagement, featuring company tours, career panels, and interviews that connect students directly with opportunities in the life sciences. Harvard MEDscience is partnering with Project Learn on the grant and are previous Pathmaker awardees.
Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), Worcester – $1,372,388 to support 115 Training Seats
As a regional convener, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) is driving biomanufacturing growth in Central Massachusetts by bridging employers and educators to align training with industry needs. Through partnerships with Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Worcester workforce pipeline leverages cutting-edge facilities and industry expertise to prepare participants with the in-demand skills essential to the region’s expanding life sciences ecosystem.
Middlesex Community College, Lowell/Bedford – $429,221 to support 72 seats
Middlesex Community College (MCC) is home to one of the first state-of-the-art good manufacturing practice training facilities in Massachusetts and provides students with hands-on experience that directly aligns with industry standards and employer needs.
Northeastern University, Boston – $1,996,967 to support 175 training seats
The program at Northeastern provides training in the key areas of protein therapeutic manufacturing and cell/gene therapy manufacturing. Participants will learn the basics of manufacturing these products with an emphasis on current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The training will occur at Northeastern’s BATL facility in Burlington, MA. Northeastern University is a previous Pathmaker awardee. This award builds on its successful program, expanding its proven model to train and support even more students pursuing life sciences careers.
The MLSC launched the Pathmaker program in June 2023. The program aims to accelerate life science career entry by condensing training program timelines, harmonizing core competencies to create alignment between industry and training providers, branding training programs to signal to companies that these programs are producing ready-to-hire candidates for entry-level roles, and expanding outreach about training/career opportunities with a strong focus on targeting underrepresented communities. To date, Pathmaker has awarded $13,292,099 and created 1228 training opportunities through 21 awards.
About Middlesex Community College
Middlesex Community College is proud to serve the communities of Greater Bedford and Lowell. One of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC meets each learner where they are. MCC is celebrating 55 years of impact and 10 years as an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Find your fit at MCC! www.middlesex.edu
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is a quasi-public 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 2008, the MLSC has strategically deployed more than $1.1 billion in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives and workforce development 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.
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