Internship Programs

Internship Programs

Hero Swoop blue 03

Internship Programs

Investing in the next generation of life science professionals is at the core of our mission. Our internship programs enhance the talent pipeline for the Massachusetts life sciences industry by creating hundreds of new internship opportunities each year for high school students, college students and recent graduates interested in life sciences careers.

The MLSC is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 Internship Challenge, High School Apprenticeship Challenge, and Data Science Internship program.

For our future life sciences leaders

The life sciences pairs life-changing careers which contribute to finding cures and treatments to transform lives alongside career growth opportunities to provide financial well-being. There has never been a better time to join the life sciences field. An internship could be a first step to a thriving career in a booming sector that impacts patients around the world.

For our fast-growing organizations

Internships help cultivate a workforce pipeline our companies deserve. The MLSC’s programming has expanded the pool of prospective employees who have practical experience, increased opportunities for mentoring, and enabled more students from across the Commonwealth to explore careers in the life sciences industry.

For our colleges/universities and high schools

Massachusetts is known as the talent capital of the world in no small part because of our innumerable, highly renowned colleges and universities. Massachusetts higher education institutions understand the power of pairing their degree programs with experiential learning and hands-on training opportunities.

Creates hundreds of new internship opportunities each year for college students interested in pursuing careers in the industry. The program connects Massachusetts companies with students and provides funding that enables small companies, with 100 or fewer employees, to hire paid interns for up to 12 weeks.

MassBioCareer
2 High School Apprenticeship Students working in lab together.

Facilitates and funds paid internships for underrepresented and low-income high school students throughout Massachusetts. The program also offers a pre-internship lab training program for some school districts that provides rigorous biotechnology/biomedical and professional skills development.

Focuses on increasing the availability of advanced analytics/data science talent in the life sciences. The program creates new internship opportunities for qualified candidates, including those at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels by enabling research institutions and small life sciences companies to hire paid interns for up to four months.

Advanced Analytics Data Science Internship Program

Internship Program Partners

As part of our commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the life sciences workforce, the MLSC also partners with Project Onramp and the UNCF Ernest E. Just Initiative to support internship opportunities for underrepresented students.

The MLSC is proud to partner with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) on the Ernest E. Just Life Sciences Initiative, which creates internship opportunities in the Boston-area for students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Students gain valuable experience and a network of professionals to pave a path for a fulfilling career in the life sciences.

The program creates paid summer internships for Massachusetts college students who are under-resourced and often first-generation, helping to bridge the opportunity gap for these promising young people. Project Onramp also provides wraparound training and support for interns and their supervisors.

MLSC Internship Success Stories

Funding Impact

Since its creation in 2007, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center has strategically deployed more than $700 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 around the world.

Invested more than

$ 0 M

in the ecosystem.

Rising arrows 01
0 +

internships supported.

Employment

Over

0 K
0

jobs created.

$ 0 M+
Microscope 1

in STEM equipment and professional development.

Team Massachusetts is excited to connect you with the latest and most relevant resources available for businesses. We’re here to support you every step of the way as your company grows. Through the Business Front Door, we can make your business journey in Massachusetts a successful one.
Business Front Door Logo

Connect with us to learn more

If you have further questions regarding the application process, please email: internship@masslifesciences.com.

Corner Splash 01 scaled 1

Other Programs

Solid Swoop 01 scaled 1

Hear from the Heart of the Hub

Sign up for The Beat our weekly newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Out-of-School Time Grant Program

Out-of-School Time Grant Program

Program Overview

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) seeks to further the development and expansion of life sciences education and training for Massachusetts K-12 students by investing in impactful out-of-school time (OST) programs. The MLSC anticipates awarding transformational grants that enable non-profit organizations to implement new or expanded programming offered beyond the traditional school day, predominately serving underrepresented and/or low-income youth.

Investments made through this program seek to:

  • Reinforce, complement, and supplement life sciences education currently offered by public schools.
  • Provide students with new technical and professional skills development relevant for careers in the life sciences.
  • Expose students to state-of-the-art life sciences equipment, tools, and technologies.
  • Catalyze and grow innovative programming serving underresourced communities.

Applicants can request grant funding of up to $50,000 for program design and implementation costs, including personnel, operations, stipends, equipment, materials, supplies, and/or technology. Applicants will be asked to provide a detailed program description, plans for career awareness/exploration activities, identification of industry/community partners (and at least one letter of support), anticipated outcomes and evaluation plan, team qualifications, an itemized budget, and sustainability plan.

Eligibility & Evaluation

Applicants must be a non-profit organization with a presence in Massachusetts that are delivering OST programming relevant to the life sciences. K-12 public schools are not eligible to apply but can partner with a non-profit organization.

Funding must be requested for programs that:

Occur outside of the traditional school day (e.g. after-school, weekends, school vacation weeks, and summer).

Operate entirely within Massachusetts.

  • Primarily serve Massachusetts K-12 students/schools that meet any of the following descriptions:
    • Vocational technical high school as determined by Chapter 74 of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
    • Public school (including charter) located in one of the following “Gateway Cities” as determined by Sec. 3A of Ch. 23A of the General Laws of Massachusetts: Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester.
    • Public school (including charter) with a student population of at least 25% classified as “low income” by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
    • Tuition-free private school primarily serving low income/ underrepresented students.
    • Enrolled in the METCO Program, funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to expand educational opportunities, increase diversity, and reduce racial isolation, by permitting students residing in certain cities to attend public schools in other communities that have agreed to participate.
    • Homeschooled residents of a “Gateway City” (as defined above) or a city/town where the public high school(s) has a student population of at least 25% classified as “low income” by DESE.
  • Prepare students with skills relevant for life sciences careers. 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.” Program activities/curricula and associated equipment, supplies, and technology should seek to enhance STEM skills relating to human biology/biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, robotics, and/or computer/data science that will prepare them for life sciences careers in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical device/technology, medical diagnostics, bioinformatics, and digital health. Activities related to the following are NOT eligible for funding: Earth and Space Science, Clean Tech/Energy, Environmental Science, Gardening/Botany, Veterinary Assisting, and Allied Health careers such as nursing and medical assisting.

Please read the full solicitation for more information about program eligibility and review criteria.

The deadline to apply for FY25 grants is February 13, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Resources

Solicitation

Application
Applicants are required to create an account prior to accessing the application. If you already have an account, please log in to begin the application.

Impact on the Ecosystem

The MLSC has awarded over $1 million in funding to non-profit organizations offering hands-on OST STEM programming. Grants provided essential resources for organizations serving underrepresented youth, enabling them to launch new initiatives/programs, build capacity, and/or expand geographic reach. The MLSC has also invested more than $28 million in equipment and professional development funding for 325 schools throughout Massachusetts.

Connect with us to Learn More

If you have any questions regarding the application process, e-mail: OST@masslifesciences.com.

Pathmaker

Pathmaker

Hero Swoop blue 03

Pathmaker

A Pathway to a Life Science Career

The MLSC Pathmaker program funds industry-aligned training programs that address critical skills and talent supply gaps and connects skilled, diverse workers with life science career opportunities in Massachusetts.

This program is currently accepting applications.

Who is Pathmaker For?

Cell Split Partial 01 scaled 1

Pathmaker for Career Seekers

There is no better time for those interested in a career in the life sciences. This is a sector full of companies of all sizes with missions that truly change lives on a global scale. Starting salaries and paths for further career development in the life sciences represent unique opportunities for growth. No prior scientific work experience or higher education credentials needed. Learn about free training programs today.

Navy MLSC Pathmaker Certification Seals 01
Cell Split Partial Navy 01 scaled 1

Pathmaker for Training Organizations

Pathmaker will award direct funding to support organizations that can build and scale career pathways that effectively prepare students for high-demand career opportunities in the life sciences. The program also aims to provide already existing programs a “stamp of validation” for efforts that meet the most up-to-date industry criteria.

Navy MLSC Pathmaker Certification Seals 01
Cell Split Partial 01 scaled 1

Pathmaker for Industry Partners

Pathmaker applicants must have at least one industry partnership that ensures that the program is responding to a direct hiring need. The program aims to leverage and catalyze the excellent workforce development resources in the Commonwealth and grow the talent pipeline and increase connections for employers to skilled, diverse workers in Massachusetts.

Navy MLSC Pathmaker Certification Seals 01

MassTalent Initiative

Pathmaker is a key component of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s MassTalent initiative, a new strategy for connecting employers to skilled, diverse workers in Massachusetts.

masstalent logo scaled 1

Upcoming Info Sessions

Featured Videos

Impact on the Ecosystem

Pathmaker has grown out of an existing group of successful partnerships between life science companies and training providers that leverage the excellent workforce development resources we have in the Commonwealth and the previous investments the Center and others have made in the ecosystem. Pathmaker was announced in June 2023 at the BIO International Convention as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s launch of a new strategy for connecting employers to skilled, diverse workers in Massachusetts called MassTalent. MassTalent will serve as a one-stop front door for companies to access multiple talent pipelines in high-growth industries like the life sciences, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The 2024 MassBioEd Life Science Workforce Analysis Report indicates that:

The additional funding available through this program aims to amplify and scale these successful models to address the most pressing workforce needs in the industry and create a sustainable structure that can adapt to the future needs as the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship continue to make Massachusetts the best place in the world for the life sciences.

Connect with us to Learn More

If you have any questions please email Pathmaker@masslifesciences.com or click the button below.
Corner Splash 01 scaled 1

Other Programs

Solid Swoop 01 scaled 1

Join the Heart of the Hub

Sign up for The Beat our weekly newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Workforce Development Capital Grant Program

Workforce Development Capital Grant Program

Program Overview

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) seeks to further the development and expansion of life sciences education and training programs offered by post-secondary academic institutions and non-profit organizations through capital investment in industry-aligned certificate and degree programs. The MLSC Workforce Development Capital Grant Program will award funding of up to $750,000 per project for the purchase and installation of life sciences equipment, renovations, lab furniture, materials, supplies, and/or technology that will enable them to effectively prepare students for high-demand career opportunities in the life sciences.

Through this program, the MLSC is particularly seeking to seed, 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, data science, and regulatory affairs occupations, among others, and have at least one industry partnership. Furthermore, 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 application for FY26 grants will be available starting Dec. 16, 2024. The deadline to apply is March 13, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST.

Eligibility & Evaluation

Applicants must be a Massachusetts legally organized not-for-profit college, university, or organization delivering post-secondary life sciences training.

Funding must be requested for equipment, supplies, materials, technology, and/or renovations to support training that prepares students with skills needed for life sciences careers. Programs must have a focus on skills training for high-demand occupations within the life sciences sector, including but not limited to biomanufacturing, regulatory affairs, data science, facilities management, quality control and quality assurance. 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.”

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 equipment and supplies will create learning opportunities that are aligned with the needs of the life sciences industry.

Please refer to the Solicitation posted below for more information.

Resources

Solicitation

Program Handout

Application
Applicants are required to create an account prior to accessing the application. If you already have an account, please log in to begin the application.

Impact on the Ecosystem

New state-of-the-art facilities outfitted with industry-standard equipment are now available in all regions of Massachusetts following a decade of strategic investment. The MLSC previously awarded nearly $200 million to 55 colleges and universities to support the construction, renovation, and/or outfitting of life sciences classrooms, labs, and training facilities. More than 120 grants have enabled higher education institutions to train students in first-rate laboratories and provide them with skillsets that meet the needs of their region’s life sciences employers.

Connect with us to Learn More

If you have any questions regarding the application process, e-mail: mlsccapital@masslifesciences.com.

Tax Incentive

Tax Incentive

Program Overview

The MLSC is pleased to announce that it is offering its 16th round of the Tax Incentive program. The 2024 program is open to companies engaged in life sciences research and development, commercialization and manufacturing in Massachusetts. The program provides incentives to companies, of all sizes, looking to expand their efforts by creating new, long-term jobs in Massachusetts.

The application period will run from Dec. 16, 2024 to Feb. 19, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST.

Info Sessions

For interested companies, the MLSC offers info sessions on eligibility requirements, various tax incentives available, compliance and reporting requirements, application process overview and timeline for awards.  Please view info session details below for more information on dates, times, and locations.

Eligibility & Evaluation

  • Companies must be registered to do business in Massachusetts
  • Companies must be filing a Massachusetts tax return for 2024
  • Companies must employ at least 10 permanent Massachusetts FTEs (defined as working at least 35 hours/week) as of December 31, 2024
  • Companies must commit to hiring in calendar year 2025 in Massachusetts and commit to retaining those jobs through December 31, 2027
    • Minimum commitment of 5 net new FTEs if company employed less than 50 permanent Massachusetts as of December 31, 2024 
    • Minimum commitment of 5 net new FTEs if company is located in a   Gateway Municipality
    • Minimum commitment of 5 net new FTEs if company is located in one of the following Massachusetts Counties; Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Nantucket, Plymouth, Worcester
    • Minimum commitment of 10 net new FTEs for all other companies

Interested applicants are required to submit an online application. This is a one-step application process that includes all the information necessary for the applicant company to be certified under the Life Sciences Act.

Please see sections 5 and 6 of the Solicitation for more information regarding the application process and further details on the eligibility requirements.

Companies that receive a tax incentive award are required to provide Annual Reports to monitor the progress of the hiring and retention against the commitment levels, which were the basis of the award provided. Companies not in compliance with their hiring commitments will be decertified. Decertified companies must return tax incentives to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Please see Policies section below for the program policies regarding reporting, acquisitions, divestiture, and termination of incentives.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 19, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST.

Resources

Solicitation

Sample Application

Sample Agreement

Program Handout

Frequently Asked Questions

Department of Revenue Tax Information Release on Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program

Department of Revenue Tax Information Release on calculation and recapture of Certain Life Science Tax Incentives

Life Sciences Jobs Incentive Refundable Credit

Policies

Reports

Impact on the Ecosystem

To ensure the Massachusetts’ ecosystem stays the hotbed for life sciences activity, we will continue to make investments through our Tax Incentive program to create jobs, build a robust workforce, and propel the development of new therapies, devices, and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being.

  • 421 awards
  • $334 million awarded in tax incentives
  • 236 companies supported
  • 18,300+ jobs committed
  • 76% of new jobs are expanding in communities outside of Boston & Cambridge (since 2018)

Connect with us to Learn More

If you have any questions regarding the application process, e-mail: taxprogram@masslifesciences.com.

Business Front Door

Team Massachusetts is excited to connect you with the latest and most relevant resources available for businesses. We’re here to support you every step of the way as your company grows. Through the Business Front Door, we can make your business journey in Massachusetts a successful one. Click here to learn more.

STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program

STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program

Program Overview

The MLSC seeks to further advance and expand life sciences education at Massachusetts public schools through implementation of project and inquiry-based curriculum. Through this program, the MLSC awards grant funding to schools and curriculum providers for the purpose of teacher professional development and the purchase of equipment, materials, supplies, and technology needed to support new or expanded curriculum. Funding will enable schools to educate students in real-world scenarios that will prepare them for career opportunities in the life sciences. Professional development funding will ensure that educators receive the technical training needed to effectively use newly acquired equipment and technology.

Applicants can request grant funding as follows:

  Equipment & Supplies Professional Development
High school (new program or reconfiguring lab space) $85,000 $15,000
High school (upgrades to existing program) $65,000 $15,000
Middle school $30,000 $10,000
Elementary school (grades 3-5) $15,000 $10,000

Investments made through this program seek to expand access to STEM equipment, curriculum, and professional development, increase educational equity and help the achievement and opportunity gaps, train a diverse STEM workforce pipeline, support the implementation of Massachusetts Science, Technology, and Engineering Standards, increase student achievement and interest in STEM, increase awareness of life sciences careers, improve college and career readiness, and leverage partnerships.

Eligibility & Evaluation

Applicants must be at least one of the following:

 

    • Vocational technical high school as determined by Chapter 74 of the General Laws of Massachusetts or a comprehensive public high school with a life sciences Chapter 74 program.

    • Public schools (including charter schools) located in one of the following “Gateway Cities” as determined by Section 3A of Chapter 23A of the General Laws of Massachusetts: Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester.

    • Public schools with a student population of at least 25 percent classified as “low income” by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

    • Non-profit curriculum provider, with a presence in Massachusetts, delivering STEM curriculum and/or teacher professional development to schools that meet any of the above-stated criteria. Any equipment requested on behalf of partner schools must be delivered to and remain housed at the schools.

For schools belonging to a district, the district must be the applicant and only one application can be submitted per school district. Districts must submit applications that reflect district-wide resource needs and promote curriculum alignment.

Applications will be evaluated based on the ability of the proposed curriculum to support a trained workforce suitable for employment in the life sciences. Successful proposals will explain how the requested equipment and supplies will create learning opportunities that are aligned with the needs of the life sciences industry. Proposals should explain how the requested equipment and professional development will enable schools to provide curriculum, instruction and student learning experiences that align with Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Learning Standards relevant to the life sciences. 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.” The MLSC will consider the qualifications of the team, the ability to meet an educational need, and the budget.

The application for FY26 grants will be available starting Dec. 16, 2024. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST.

Resources

Solicitation

Program Handout

Application
Applicants are required to create an account prior to accessing the application. If you already have an account, please log in to begin the application.

Impact on the Ecosystem

The MLSC has invested more than $28.5 million in equipment and professional development funding in 325 schools throughout Massachusetts. Funding has served schools in all 14 Massachusetts counties and all 26 Gateway Cities, as well as all vocational-technical high schools with a life sciences program. Moreover, nearly 80 percent of students attending eligible middle/high schools have gained access to new equipment.

Connect with us to Learn More

If you have any questions regarding the application process, e-mail: equip@masslifesciences.com.

Massachusetts Transition and Growth Program

Massachusetts Transition and Growth Program

Program Overview

The Massachusetts Transition and Growth Program (MassTAG) is a recruitment tool targeting life sciences companies considering their first presence in Massachusetts. This highly competitive program is designed to attract out-of-state, international, and newly formed companies that meet MLSC’s strategic objectives to become part of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem.

Successful applicants will receive grant awards based on net new jobs created within the company’s first 12 months of Massachusetts operations, to be paid out retroactively in three annual installments.

Eligibility & Evaluation

This program is available to companies life sciences companies that meet the following criteria:

  • No current presence in MA
  • Commit to creating more than 10 and fewer than 49 jobs in the first 12 months of MA operations
  • Address critical needs in the MA life sciences ecosystem

Grants will be provided on a per-job basis in amounts comparable to the awards provided under the MLSC’s existing tax Incentive program and will be evenly dispersed retroactively over a three year period assuming the job commitments are met each year based on the company’s grant agreement.

Acceptance of awards under this program does not disqualify companies from applying to other applicable MLSC programs.

Resources

Interested companies, please fill out the MLSC Business Interest Form.

Sample Application

Impact on the Ecosystem

Critical objectives for this program are attracting out-of-state, international, and newly formed companies in key growth areas, including novel modalities, contract research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, job creation, and scientific advancement that will benefit patients and further growth of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem.

Connect with us to Learn More

For more information regarding the program or application process, e-mail: masstag@masslifesciences.com

Business Front Door

Team Massachusetts is excited to connect you with the latest and most relevant resources available for businesses. We’re here to support you every step of the way as your company grows. Through the Business Front Door, we can make your business journey in Massachusetts a successful one. Click here to learn more.

MLSC Brandmark scaled 1