Program Details
Each training program proposal will be evaluated based on the cost per employment outcome. As a benchmark, we have established a planned investment target of $10,000 per employment outcome for budget-planning purposes. Applicants should be thoughtful about what they propose in order to maximize public dollars. This amount includes all expenses required to obtain an employment outcome, including recruitment, training, support, program design and program management. If an applicant proposes to serve a population that requires more intensive and/or longer duration of services to be successful, applicants may propose a cost per outcome that exceeds this amount; however, you must justify this cost per outcome in the budget notes section. Planned training programs must cover the required Pathmaker Core Competencies Checklist, and the duration of these programs must be between 8-12 weeks and 80-160 hours.
The “life sciences” are defined in the MLSC’s enabling legislation as “advanced and applied sciences that expand the understanding of human physiology and have the potential to lead to medical advances or therapeutic applications.”
Through this solicitation, the MLSC is particularly seeking to enhance and/or expand training programs that address critical skills and talent supply gaps facing the state’s life science industry. Such programs include those focused on biomanufacturing, medtech / advanced manufacturing, and other key careers in the life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts. Applicants must have at least one industry partnership that ensures that the program is responding to a direct hiring need.
Applicants must have at least one industry partnership. Applicants can also bring together a Consortium of multiple industry partners with overlapping workforce needs for similar occupations, skills, and/or competencies. This model will ensure that training investments are directly connected to documented employment opportunities while reducing reliance on the hiring needs of any single employer. By aligning training capacity with collective industry demand, Pathmaker will expand the number and range of career pathways available to graduates and maximize opportunities for successful placement in high-demand roles.
Participants and Collaboration with MassHire Career Centers
The MLSC is committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the life sciences workforce and will prioritize investment in programs that serve underrepresented populations. The program prioritizes individuals from low-income and underrepresented communities and those without significant industry experience or related higher education. Pathmaker investments support recruitment, technical and job-readiness training, participant stipends and wraparound supports, employer engagement, job placement, and retention services. The goal is to place participants into open positions immediately following training or within three months of completion and provide a foundation for long-term career growth.
Through this model, Pathmaker creates a direct bridge between Massachusetts residents seeking economic opportunity and life sciences employers seeking skilled talent, while giving training providers the resources and industry connections needed to develop responsive workforce programs.
As Pathmaker is a Skills Cabinet initiative, all funded applicants are required to contract with the MassHire workforce system to support outreach, recruitment, and participant data collection. This partnership ensures alignment with statewide workforce strategies and enables consistent tracking of participant demographics, enrollment, and outcomes.
Applicants must demonstrate their intent and capacity to work with MassHire Career Centers to support recruitment efforts and comply with required data capture and reporting standards. Costs associated with this required partnership should be reflected appropriately in the project budget.
Branding and Communications
This program is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for life science sectors while creating opportunities for underserved individuals. The Pathmaker program requires all funded cohorts to clearly inform participants that they are not employees of the Pathmaker program provider or the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC).
Costs
Allowable direct costs:
- Staff time devoted to the program, including outreach and recruitment, intake and assessment, training delivery, wraparound support services, job placement services, and retention services; personnel & support & supplies needed
- Marketing, communications, and outreach activities related to recruitment for the program, such as design costs for marketing collateral, purchasing mass media spots, and website or social media costs
- Subcontracting with training providers for curriculum delivery or with vendors providing specific training platforms or licensure testing services;
- Training stipends
- In-state workforce program related conference registration costs; and
- Program related transport costs within state allowance parameters (must be approved by funder)
- Administrative costs directly attributable to the program may be included but cannot exceed 10% of the budget. Some of these might include Pathmaker-specific program management, reporting, data collection, fiscal administration, and compliance.
Activities that are NOT eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
- Capital equipment or infrastructure costs needed for training delivery
- Costs associated with preparing this proposal
- Activities that occur before or following the term of an awarded grant
- Meals for individual staff members are not reimbursable. Food purchases will only be reimbursed when directly related to program activities such as student events, graduation ceremonies, networking sessions, or meals provided for a full class and instructors.
- Lodging and accommodation costs for personnel (e.g., hotels, Airbnb, temporary housing)
- Air travel expenses, including flights and associated airline fees
- Alcohol purchases, regardless of event or purpose
- Out of-state conference-related expenses, including registration, travel, and associated fees
- Indirect administrative expenses defined as administrative costs not directly attributed to a the Pathmaker program or project even if proportionally calculated. Applicants should not include these costs as direct (regular) program expenses. Costs that can be clearly and exclusively attributed to the delivery of the proposed project (such as program staff, instructional materials, or program-specific equipment) should be listed as direct expenses instead. Examples of such non-allowable indirect expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- General administrative and fiscal management (e.g., finance, accounting, non-program payroll, and human resources)
- Executive and senior leadership oversight
- General legal, audit, and compliance services
- Organization-wide information technology systems and support not specifically used for program operations
- Shared supplies outside the program training supplies
- Insurance and general organizational liability coverage
- Purchase or lease of venue space or equipment intended for general operating purposes
- Purchasing or leasing of specialized equipment, training space, and other direct startup costs needed for training delivery
The MLSC reserves the right to adjust the requested amount of funding for each proposal. Following execution of the Grant Agreement, funds will be provided via electronic fund transfer (EFT)–60% of total funding will be available immediately upon execution, with the remaining 40% available on a reimbursement basis after all necessary receipts (for 100% of expended funds) and reports have been received and upon verification of those costs.
Budget must include an itemized list of equipment, materials, supplies, and/or technology with the estimated cost for each item. If applicable, budget must separate by fiscal year expenses. The MLSC reserves the right to adjust the requested amount.
Following the execution of the grant agreement, funds will be provided to the Awardees based on the terms of the Grants Agreement.
Application Process
Applications will only be accepted through the MLSC’s online application portal, accessed via the program webpage.
Applicants are required to create an account and complete a user profile before starting the application. It is recommended that applicants carefully follow the online instructions and provide complete, clear, and concise responses to all required questions. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that its application is complete, meets minimum threshold requirements and is properly submitted to the MLSC prior to the established deadline. Multiple users can be given access to the application.
Applicants are asked to review the MLSC’s Public Disclosure policy prior to submitting their application.
Eligibility and Evaluation
Following the application deadline, timely and complete applications will be reviewed for eligibility and evaluated using the common scoring calculator.
Applicants must be a Massachusetts legally organized:
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), including CBOs relying on a fiscal agent
- Community Colleges, Colleges, and Universities
- Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, including Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program
- Non-Profit Entities
- For-Profit Companies, as long as the proposed training is open to the general public outside the applicant organization
- Municipalities
- Workforce Development Organizations
- MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers
The MLSC is interested in supporting applicants that will further its goal of developing a skilled workforce suitable for employment in the life sciences, particularly in high-demand occupations. Successful proposals will explain how the requested funds will create learning opportunities that are aligned with the needs of the life sciences industry.
MLSC staff will conduct an initial administrative review to determine eligibility of all submitted applications. Eligible applicants will then be reviewed and scored. Funding recommendations will then be made to the MLSC Board of Directors based on feedback and scores. The amount of awards will be determined by the quality of the proposals.
MLSC staff may contact the applicant to request supplemental information prior to formal review. In addition, the MLSC reserves the right to make no awards, to award less than the applicant requests, and/or to award less than the maximum amount of funds potentially available through this solicitation.
Core Competencies
Core Competencies represent the minimum requirements for a Pathmaker-approved training program. Additional skills and competencies based on specific employer needs and/or requests may also be included. The Pathmaker Core Competency Checklist defines the areas that must be included in a proposed curriculum, with specific examples of focus areas that may be included to satisfy that required area. There are distinct core competencies identified for the PathmakerBIO (biomanufacturing and related roles) and PathmakerTECH (medtech / advanced manufacturing and related roles). Alternatively, a third “open” track allows a training provider to propose a different course of study—such as quality assurance, lab support, or supply chain—as identified by a demonstrated employer partner.
Submitted proposals will be reviewed and scored based on the following criteria:
| Evaluation Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Program Design, Core Competencies & Delivery | Presents a comprehensive program design that addresses required Core Competencies. Includes strong technical, durable-skill, career-readiness, and work-readiness components appropriate to the target roles. Demonstrates that curriculum and program design are responsive to employer and industry needs. Includes clear staffing, implementation, and evaluation plans. | 20 |
| Employer & Industry Engagement | Includes a letter of support from at least one industry partner clearly articulating goals, roles, and responsibilities. Demonstrates meaningful employer involvement in program design and/or delivery, such as curriculum development, advisory participation, mentoring, job shadowing, guest instruction, equipment, or financial support. Uses employer input to ensure programming aligns with current industry needs. Demonstrates opportunities to connect participants to employment and continued career advancement. | 20 |
| Target Roles, Skills & Population | Clearly defines the target roles, skills, and participant population. Demonstrates alignment between the target roles and relevant industry/workforce needs. Recognizes participant assets and potential barriers and reflects them in program design. Demonstrates potential to reach and benefit students who are underrepresented in the life sciences or economically disadvantaged. | 15 |
| Recruitment, Student Supports & Job Readiness | Provides a clear and effective recruitment and outreach strategy for the target population. Offers support services designed to promote participant enrollment, completion, and success. Incorporates career awareness and job-readiness preparation, including teamwork, communication, time management, and other professional skills. Identifies staff, partners, or referral resources responsible for participant support. | 15 |
| Outcomes, Evaluation & Participant Tracking | Proposes outcomes that are ambitious but attainable given the target population and program design. Includes practical methods and data-collection practices for evaluating program effectiveness. Tracks participant outcomes in a manner that supports assessment of program success and equity. Demonstrates a clear connection between proposed activities and expected participant outcomes. | 15 |
| Budget, Matching Funds & Sustainability | Provides an accurate and reasonable budget that aligns with proposed program activities. Demonstrates appropriate and committed matching funds. Shows that proposed costs are reasonable relative to the scale and intensity of programming. Identifies resources or strategies that support continued programming and sustainability beyond the grant period. | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
The MLSC reserves the right to consider the applicant’s past performance in operating grants administered by both the Center and/or the Commonwealth and factor this performance into funding decisions. All applicants will be notified of their award status by email. In addition to the scoring system outlined, the Center reserves the right to only consider submissions that, in our sole judgment, are complete and responsive to the solicitation’s requirements and include all required application components. Additionally, the Center reserves the right to consider other criteria in making awards.
Award Recommendation and Contracting
Following the application reviews, all applicants will be notified in writing of the decision on their application.
Applicants that are approved for funding must enter into a grant agreement which shall include the grant amount and any conditions of the award. Grantees will need to verify the project’s readiness and address any related conditions at the time of the award.
All awards are subject to availability of funds and are contingent upon full execution of a contract between the Commonwealth and the Grantee.
Applicants that are not selected to receive funding during the round will have the opportunity to request feedback on their application.
Post-Award Information
Successful applicants, upon notification of award, will be required to enter into a grant contract agreement with MLSC prior to the disbursement of any grant funds. All scope of work items, timelines, and project outcomes will be detailed and incorporated into the contract. Grantees are not authorized to expend any grant funds until a contract is fully executed. All grant funds must be expended in accordance with the contract.
Compliance
At the end of each fiscal year (June 30), each grantee is required to report information on the project. MLSC will review annual reports to determine whether the business has substantially achieved its obligations set forth in the Contract.
MLSC will close out a grant award upon receipt of an annual report evidencing the grant has met its obligations and all building projects are complete. Upon project close out, any grant funds awarded but not utilized will no longer be available to the grantee.
Pathmaker Deliverables, Confidentiality, and General Conditions
Deliverables
Awardees of this program are required to submit the following materials to the MLSC:
- Progress Report will be submitted by all Awardees quarterly during the award period, with receipt of a Final Report no later than 30 days after the award period outlined in the Grant Agreement. These reports should describe progress made using the grant, as well as other metrics including, but not limited to number of students recruited, how recruited students heard about the program, number of graduates, demographic information, reasons for program exits, and placement / job status of graduates. A standard reporting form and/or platform will be provided to awardees upon execution of the Grant Agreement.
- Post Project Report will be submitted by all Awardees one year after Final Report and should describe the progress of the Awardee towards project execution and the impact of the Award on such progress. This report should describe outcomes from using the grant, as well as other metrics including, but not limited to number of students recruited, how recruited students heard about the program, number of graduates, demographic information, reasons for program exits, and placement / job status of graduates. A standard reporting form and/or platform will be provided to awardees upon execution of the Grant Agreement.
The Grant Agreement will outline expectations and requirements for minimum cohort recruitment and graduates. A successful program would be one that results in at least 60% of the original stated cohort size graduating from the program. A completion/graduation rate of less than 40% will result in an investigation by the MLSC.
Confidentiality
The MLSC is subject to the requirements concerning disclosure of public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Act, M.G.L. c. 66 (Public Records Act), which governs the retention, disposition and archiving of public records, such as written materials, financial statements, statistical tabulations and other documentary materials or data. As a result, applicants should be aware that any information submitted to the MLSC is subject to public disclosure as set forth in the Public Records Act.
There are, however, exceptions. “Public records” do not, for example, include documents containing trade secrets, such as commercial or financial information regarding the operation of any business conducted by a company or other institution or regarding the competitive position of a company or other institution in a particular field. In the event that an applicant wishes to submit certain documents to the MLSC and believes such a document or documents may be proprietary in nature, the applicant should identify such materials in its application as Confidential.
The MLSC’s General Counsel is the sole authority within the MLSC for making determinations on the applicability and/or assertion of an exemption to the Public Records Act. All documents submitted by the applicant, whether designated as “Confidential Information” or not, are not returnable.
General Conditions
Contractual Requirements
The Center intends to enter into an Agreement with the Awardees containing certain standard provisions. The Center reserves the right to amend the Agreement. Please be advised that this standard Agreement must be executed in substantially the form provided and the terms and conditions therein are non-negotiable.
Waiver Authority
The Center reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive minor irregularities in submittal requirements, to request modifications of the application, to accept or reject any or all applications received, and/or to cancel all or part of this solicitation at any time prior to awards.
Disclaimer: This solicitation does not commit the Center to award any funds, pay any costs incurred in preparing an application, or procure or contract for services or supplies. The Center reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications received, negotiate with all qualified Applicants, cancel or modify the solicitation in part or in its entirety, or change the application guidelines, when it is in its best interests. An application does not constitute an award.
Changes/Amendments to Program
This solicitation has been distributed electronically using the Center’s website. It is the responsibility of Applicants to check the Center’s website for any addenda or modifications to the program to which they intend to apply. The Center, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and its subdivisions accept no liability and will provide no accommodation to Applicants who submit an application based on an out-of-date solicitation.
Note: If you receive an award from this program, the awardee name and amount of the award will be disclosed to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for my program to be Pathmaker certified without adding new programming or applying for funding?
Yes, please do. You can use this online form to submit a request that your existing program be evaluated for Pathmaker validation. Existing programs can be successfully validated even if they are outside of the 8–12 week and 80 –160 hour guidelines required for Pathmaker funding.
Can I apply for programs that are longer or shorter than 8 weeks or 80 hours?
You can apply for programs that are between 8-12 weeks and 80–160 hours, shorter or longer programs are not being considered eligible for funding at this time, but will be eligible for the Pathmaker validation without funding. Organizations with existing programming outside of those parameters who wish to be considered for funding must be adding new programming that does meeting the qualifications and has an associated employer letter of support.
Will a program be considered ineligible if it is more than 12 weeks and 160 hours?
While we would prefer the applicant use the duration guidelines, each program will be evaluated on an individual basis. The intent of the program is to support short introductory programs.
Do letters of support have to be on a company letter head?
Yes, it must be dated and the signatory should be someone with decision making authority over training partnerships and hiring needs, e.g. CEO, VP of HR, Director of Operations, etc.
