Massasoit Awarded $250,000 Life Sciences Grant

Award from Healey-Driscoll Administration aims to bolster life science workforce education.

BROCKTON, Mass (November 5, 2025) – Massasoit Community College’s was awarded a $253,128 Workforce Development Capital Grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration through the Massachusetts Life Science Center (MLSC). The funds will support Massasoit’s Life Sciences Research Skills Micro-Credentialing Program, which equips students with high-demand laboratory and research skills.

The award is part of a $12.7 million investment from the Commonwealth, supporting a total of 131 schools and expanding training programs at 18 institutions. The Workforce Development Capital Grant program focuses on building, expanding, and enhancing life sciences education and training programs at colleges and non-profit organizations. Additional awardees include Boston University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

“Massasoit is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Life Science Center for their continued support of education and workforce development opportunities across the higher education sector,” said Bill Mitchell, President of Massasoit Community College. “Massasoit’s highly respected STEM program provides students of all backgrounds access to lucrative careers in life sciences and biotech. We’re proud to be one of two community colleges in the current round of awards.”

Massasoit’s Life Sciences Research Skills Micro-Credentialing Program addresses the talent gap in the Commonwealth’s life sciences and biotechnology sectors. This hybrid program integrates flexible online instruction with hands-on, industry-aligned training in eight key skill areas, ensuring students master competencies critical for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and biomedical research roles.

MLSC funding is essential to expanding access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including an ECHO Revolve microscope, Artel PCS Pipette Calibration System, and modern spectrophotometers—equipment that is standard in life sciences research but currently unavailable at Massasoit. MLSC will directly contribute to strengthening Massachusetts’ life sciences workforce, ensuring that local talent is prepared to meet the increasing demand for skilled laboratory professionals in the state’s rapidly expanding biotech ecosystem.

“This support will scale our program’s reach, allowing a diverse pool of students to receive no-cost, hands-on workforce training, increasing equitable access to high-growth STEM careers,” said Dr. Katie Ruggieri, Dean of STEM at Massasoit Community College. “Without this investment, students would lack exposure to cutting-edge laboratory technologies, significantly limiting their preparedness for internships, technician roles, and career advancement in the field.”

The MLSC has awarded more than $205 million to support the construction, renovation, and outfitting of life sciences laboratories and training facilities at 58 higher education institutions, including 16 two-year or community colleges.