by Caitlin Buckley
On Tuesday, August 13, Middlesex Community College’s biotechnology program received a Pathmaker Validation from the Mass Life Sciences Center (MLSC). Representatives from MLSC joined Middlesex President Phil Sisson, Provost Arlene Rodríguez, and biotechnology faculty to visit the lab and award a plaque of recognition for the success and effectiveness of MCC’s program.
“We are thrilled to receive the Pathmaker Validation from Mass Life Sciences Center and are proud to display our plaque of recognition in our state-of-the-art biotechnology lab,” President Sisson said. “This honor from MLSC proves that our combination of interactive lab experiences, comprehensive curriculum, and ample networking opportunities offer robust and life-changing programs that lend to the stability and success of our students, the biotechnology industry, and the Massachusetts workforce. Our partnership with MLSC will help us continue to provide a diverse population of students with skills and training to enter and advance in their careers in an in-demand and much needed field.”
“The Pathmaker program provides career seekers from all backgrounds with the proper training needed to enter the exciting world of life sciences,” said MLSC Acting CEO and Vice President of Economic Development and Partnerships Jeanne LeClair. “This effort wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of our training program partners, including Middlesex Community College, who contribute to developing a substantial workforce to meet the needs of the ever-growing Massachusetts life sciences industry.”
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. Additionally, one of the goals of Pathmaker is to serve as a stamp of approval on specific training programs that meet the most up-to-date industry criteria, thereby sending a strong signal to prospective career seekers.
Pathmaker validation ensures that programs up to and including associate degrees receive a stamp of approval, affirming their alignment with industry standards and Pathmaker Core Competencies. This helps ensure top-tier quality in biomanufacturing education and industry readiness.
Representatives from Mass Life Sciences Center joined Middlesex President Phil Sisson, Provost Arlene Rodríguez, and biotechnology faculty to visit the lab and award a plaque of recognition for the success and effectiveness of MCC’s program (Photo courtesy MCC)
Both MCC’s biotechnology associate degree and certificate program were recognized as Pathmaker programs. The college’s programs are taught by experts who have worked in the biotechnology field, and include lab experiences and conditions that are similar to those found in a work environment.
Middlesex also offers an award-winning Biotechnology Learn and Earn program to provide students with the opportunity to work full-time for a partner company while earning a degree.
“We are excited to be a Pathmaker-recognized program and to partner with MLSC to continue to help strengthen the biotechnology field,” said Dr. Marie Tupaj, MCC’s Dean of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). “The Massachusetts biotechnology industry is comprised of many of MCC’s current and former students who are leaders of their field and are eager to give back to the college community. Students come to MCC at different stages of their lives and discover opportunities that get them into the workforce as soon as possible, prepare them to further their education, and help them pursue dream careers.”
MCC’s Fall 2024 semester begins Tuesday, September 3. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration for more information on MCC’s biotechnology program and to register for classes.
