Partners

Oceans of Data ​Institute at EDC

ODI offers a suite of services and tools to help community colleges launch Data Science and Analytics programs aligned with the skills, knowledge, and behaviors students need to succeed in their region’s business environments. ODI also supports a Data Workforce Education Community of Practice through information exchanges.​

Mentoring New ​Data Pathways in Community Colleges

EDC is building the capacity of community college faculty to serve as mentors guiding the design of 6 community college programs preparing diverse groups of students for Data Science and Analytics careers. ​

Creating Pathways ​to Big Data Careers

EDC is conducting a study ​tour of European work-based learning programs focused on Data Analytics for faculty from four U.S. community colleges.​

Data Science ​Pathways

EDC is working with Mass. ​DESE and Burlington, Chelsea, ​and Everett districts to develop ​and test a high school Innovation Pathway to Data careers. The pathway and courses—including Data Visualization and Python+Data —will be available to all Mass. teachers and students.​

Science+C

EDC is collaborating with Mass. DESE to integrate computational thinking and Data Science, creating new high school courses in Computational Biology, Computational Chemistry, and Computational Physics. These courses will be made available to all Mass. high schools in 2022-23.​

Amgen Biotech Experience

EDC is the Program Office for this global initiative to increase students’ interest and confidence in science and biotechnology. ​A $16M, 3-year continuation grant is supporting EDC in adding new curriculum and program sites, resulting in over 26 sites around the world.​

STEM Equipment & Professional Development (Grades 6-12)​

Impact on the Ecosystem:

MLSC has invested over $17.8 million in STEM equipment and PD funding in nearly 200 public high schools and middle schools. All recipient schools serve economically disadvantaged and underrepresented students.​

Reach:

MLSC funding serves schools in 13 of the 14 Mass. counties and 25 of the 26 Gateway Cities. Nearly 30% of all Mass. public middle and high school students attend a school that has received an MLSC grant. ​

Continued Investment:

MLSC continues to offer grant funding to public schools and curriculum providers that expands access to industry-aligned project and inquiry-based curriculum, increases educational equity and trains a diverse STEM workforce pipeline.​

Capital Grants for Colleges and Universities​

Impact on the Ecosystem:​

MLSC has invested nearly $200 million to ensure quality life sciences training facilities and programs are available in every region of the state. Grants have supported the construction, renovation, and/or outfitting of state-of-the-art lab space. College students from across MA, particularly those underrepresented in STEM, now have access to lab equipment and technology used by life sciences companies. ​

Reach:

• $165 million has been awarded to 18 4-year colleges, including all 5 of the UMass campuses and 3 state universities. ​
• $30 million in 16 2-year colleges, including 14 out of the state’s 15 community colleges.​

High School Apprenticeship Program​

Impact on the Ecosystem:​

MLSC’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge creates internship opportunities for high school students at ​life sciences companies and academic institutions. The program also offers a pre-internship OST lab training program for underserved and underrepresented students.​

Reach:

The program has supported over 400 internships for high schoolers at more than 90 organizations. Interns have represented over 100 Mass. high schools. 264 students have participated in lab training programs, 71% of which are female.​

Internship Challenge and Data Science Internship Program​

Impact on the Ecosystem:​

MLSC creates a robust talent pipeline by funding over 500 internship opportunities each year for college students interested in life sciences careers. ​

A new data science track was created in 2020 to meet strong industry demand, offering longer-term and higher-paid internships requiring advanced data analytics skills.​

Reach:

Since 2009, the MLSC has funded over 4,700 internships with more than 800 companies. Interns represent more than 230 different academic institutions. Nearly 40% of interns that have completed college were offered employment directly following their internship.​

Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2001 by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council with the goal of growing and developing talent in the Massachusetts life sciences workforce. In this time we have evolved into a key link connecting students, educators, and professionals to the exciting opportunities within the life sciences industry.