PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield and the Central Berkshire Regional School District are among 400 organizations getting $12.3 million for education and workforce development. 

 

The announced disbursement was made on Thursday in Waltham for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's Education and Workforce Development Grant Program.  

 

A total of 68 awards will support more than 400 public schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations across Massachusetts through four tracks: Elementary and Secondary Education, Out-of-School Time (OST), Post-secondary Education and Training, and "Gamechanger" matching grants.

 

The Pittsfield Public Schools and Central Berkshire will receive $36,000 and $17,843, respectively, in Elementary and Secondary Education Grants. These are two of 23 grants totaling more than $2.4 million to support more than 170 public schools.

 

The funding will provide hands-on/applied learning for students in Grades 3-12 while supporting professional development for teachers and the purchase of life sciences equipment, materials, supplies, and technology.

 

The Berkshire Innovation Center is getting $24,000 in Out-of-School Time Grants. It is one of 21 nonprofit organizations receiving nearly $600,000 total to provide life sciences programming beyond the traditional school day.

 

Together, these investments are designed to expand access to hands-on life sciences education, OST learning opportunities, industry-aligned certificate and degree programs, and transformational workforce development initiatives that strengthen the life sciences talent pipeline and prepare learners for careers in the life sciences. 

 

"Our life sciences industry is one of the biggest reasons Massachusetts continues to lead in innovation and economic opportunity," said Gov. Maura Healey. "These investments will prepare more students for high-demand careers, strengthen our workforce and ensure companies can continue growing and creating jobs right here in Massachusetts." 

 

Since the inception of the Life Sciences Initiative, the MLSC has invested more than $240 million through various programs supporting education and workforce training that strengthens the state's life sciences talent pipeline. These investments have supported more than 478 public schools, 30 nonprofit organizations, and 65 colleges and universities across all 14 Massachusetts counties and every Gateway City, expanding access to life sciences learning opportunities and training initiatives for residents in the state.