School gets $110G grant for STEAM
Science program getting boost
FITCHBURG » The Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center recently announced 27 grants totaling $3.4 million through the MLSC’s STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant program and it included Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. Monty Tech was awarded $109,988 to develop an all-new microbiology course and provide high-quality professional development opportunities to science instructors, according to a press release from the vocational school.
“Our administration is committed to supporting the next generation of the
life sciences workforce by engaging Massachusetts students in hands-on learning in essential STEM curricula,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “With partners like the Life Sciences Center, we are continuing to expand opportunities for students to be exposed early and often to STEM, supporting their development now as learners and as future members of our thriving life sciences workforce.”
Monty Tech will use grant funds to update two science laboratories, purchase supplies and materials for the microbiology course, and send teachers to local and national workshops and conferences to expand their instructional capacity. School officials anticipate the new course will be an engaging and sought after addition to the science program of studies, and will introduce students to in-demand life sciences careers, according to the vocational school.
“Monty Tech is so fortunate to have science instructors who understand the need to expand our students’ access to life science careers,” said Christina Favreau, Director of Academic Programs at Monty Tech. “By developing this new course, as many as 100 students per year may enroll in an inquiry-based Microbiology course, studying bacteria, viruses and parasites and their effect on the human body, contributing to a deeper understanding of human anatomy and physiology. We couldn’t be more excited to bring this opportunity to our students.”
“The Baker-Polito Administration remains a steadfast partner to our educational stakeholders across the commonwealth in expanding access to STEM equipment, curriculum, and professional development,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who serves as CoChair of the MLSC board of directors. “We are incredibly proud this funding will enable schools to educate students in real-world scenarios and on state-of-theart equipment that will prepare them for career opportunities in the life sciences and expand the talent pipeline employers need to grow.”
“The Monty Tech proposal was led by two science instructors, Lauryn Larson and Elizabeth Flanagan, both of whom demonstrated exceptional foresight in modifying curriculum to meet the needs of our local workforce. That’s what a well-rounded vocational education is all about,” said Superintendent/Director Sheila M. Harrity. Presenting students with an opportunity to study microbiology is not only important to sustain a life sciences career pipeline, it is also a timely proposal, according to the vocational school.
“Our students will study the significance of early scientific breakthrough in the study of disease, and will better understand current events (e.g. COVID-19, World Health Organization, CDC, etc.). This high school experience might ignite a passion, encouraging students consider biology/biotechnology as a potential college or career pathway,” Harrity said.
“I am proud to lead an organization that has been a global leader in supporting the growth of a diverse talent pipeline through a robust workforce development strategy,” said MLSC President and CEO Kenn Turner. “We must continue to meet the moment for our future life sciences workforce. The students supported through these awards are the top, rising talent we have to offer in terms of retaining our leadership post in the life sciences. They’re our strength, our success, and our future.”