# Massachusetts Expands Life Sciences Training

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, led by Governor Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), announced over **$5.2 million** in Pathmaker program awards on September 17, 2026, to expand workforce training in the life sciences sector. This funding supports five training programs across multiple cities including Boston, Lowell, Upton, Cambridge, and Bedford, creating 439 new hands-on training opportunities aligned with industry needs. The initiative aims to strengthen the state's talent pipeline and support economic growth by equipping residents with skills directly relevant to life sciences employers.

- The Pathmaker awards involve key recipients such as Bioversity, Blackstone Valley Technical Institute, Just A Start, Middlesex Community College, and Northeastern University, highlighting collaboration between government and educational institutions.
- Procurement professionals should note the strategic focus on workforce development funding that may open future contracting opportunities for training providers and workforce support services.
- This investment signals Massachusetts' commitment to sustaining its leadership in life sciences, encouraging vendors to align offerings with state workforce priorities.
- Organizations involved in life sciences training and education can leverage this funding environment to expand program offerings and partnerships within Massachusetts.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Healthcare, Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
- Executive Office of Economic Development
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts

### Vendors
- Bioversity (training program recipient)
- Blackstone Valley Technical Institute (training program recipient)
- Just A Start (training program recipient)
- Middlesex Community College (training program recipient)
- Northeastern University (training program recipient)

### Key Quotes
> These Pathmaker investments are aligning education and training programs directly to the needs of life sciences employers, giving participants the skills and hands-on experience to launch meaningful careers while helping Massachusetts companies find the talent they need to grow and compete.
> — Eric Paley, Economic Development Secretary, Co-Chair of the MLSC Board of Directors

> Massachusetts leads the world in the life sciences because of our people, and we want more residents to have a chance to build a career in this growing industry.
> — Maura Healey, Governor

### Sources
- [Governor Healey Announces More Than $5.2 Million to Expand Career Pathways in the Life Sciences | Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-announces-more-than-52-million-to-expand-career-pathways-in-the-life-sciences) - MA