The MLSC team recently joined educators and students at New Bedford High School and Brockton High School to celebrate graduates of this year’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge pre-internship training cohorts. The after-school biotechnology lab and professional skills training programs are designed to prepare underrepresented and low-income students for internship opportunities with life science companies and research institutions. MLSC Executive Vice President of Educational Partnerships and Workforce Investments, Ryan Mudawar, provided remarks at both graduations, recognizing the students’ achievements and the importance of workforce development for the future of the life sciences ecosystem.
In New Bedford, a record 41 students completed the training program, supported with more than $49K in MLSC funding, building off our historical investment now totaling over $282K since 2019. In Brockton, 23 students completed the program, supported with more than $50K this year and over $306K invested since 2018. Additionally, many of this year’s graduates will continue their journey through paid summer internships funded by the MLSC’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge, which places students with life sciences employers across Massachusetts. Since 2019, 205 students have participated in the program at New Bedford High School, and 148 students have participated at Brockton High School since 2018.
The MLSC’s investment in these schools extends beyond the High School Apprenticeship Challenge to include state-of-the-art equipment, laboratory space, and teacher training. At New Bedford High School, the MLSC provided more than $292,000 in capital funding and over $30,000 for teacher professional development to outfit multiple labs and offer hands-on life sciences curriculum. At Brockton High School, the MLSC has provided more than $330,000 for state-of-the-art lab equipment and teacher professional development.
Click here to learn more about the MLSC’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge.
