May 10, 2021 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) – The Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) is launching its new Life Sciences Apprenticeship program on June 1, 2021. It will provide selected candidates with technical education, on-the-job paid training, and mentorship in one of two occupations: Biomanufacturing Technicians and Clinical Trial Associates. The Alexion Charitable Foundation has joined MassBioEd as a sponsor, among Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, to support the program that will create a new and diverse pool of qualified workers to meet the growing demand for talent in the Massachusetts-area life sciences industry. MassBioEd is focused on recruiting candidates from underrepresented groups in the industry – including persons of color, women, and veterans – and working with unemployed and under-employed individuals, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program will help individuals gain industry-recognized skills and work experience, providing them with career opportunities at sustainable wages.

“The Alexion Charitable Foundation is pleased to support organizations like MassBioEd who are dedicated to equity and inclusion,” said Alex Schuman, President of the Alexion Charitable Foundation. “Through the Apprenticeship program, MassBioEd is creating opportunities for education, mentorship, and job training that together build a pathway for careers in the Life Science sector for historically under-represented populations.”

In 2020-2021, the MassBioEd Aligned Curricular and Career Experiences for Secondary Science (ACCESS Program), which is designed to increase access to authentic life sciences labs and career information for underserved students to promote science literacy and illuminate pathways to family-sustaining careers in the life sciences field, expanded to include Chelsea and Randolph school districts. The ACCESS Program brings life sciences teachers, administrators, and scientists together to build a community of practice that includes hands-on life science lessons, career exploration days at colleges and pharmaceutical companies, and guest speakers. During this three-year program, ACCESS instructors assist teachers in partner districts with preparing and implementing lessons that help students in grades 6-10 to better understand the curriculum and the world around them. The Bayer Fund has awarded MassBioEd grant funding to support the ACCESS Program as part of its effort to address essential needs in STEM education. In 2019, Bayer Fund awarded more than $14 million to over 3,200 charitable and nonprofit organizations.

“Throughout the years, the grants given through Bayer Fund have helped strengthen our communities across the United States,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “We’re proud to be able to provide support to develop programs that help combat challenges such as food insecurity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and support services to patients and families managing an illness or disease.”

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About MassBioEd Foundation

The MassBioEd Foundation (MassBioEd) is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. Its mission is to build a sustainable life sciences workforce in the region through educational programs that engage and excite teachers, inspire and propel students, and illuminate the pathway from the classroom to career with a focus on expansion, opportunity and diversity. Learn more: www.massbioed.org

About Alexion Charitable Foundation (ACF)

The mission of the Alexion Charitable Foundation is to offer promise and cultivate a sense of belonging – particularly for people affected by a rare disease – through initiatives that advance emotional well-being, educational opportunities and economic relief. To learn more about ACF visit https://alexion.com/our-commitment/alexion-charitable-foundation.

About Bayer Fund

Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education, and community development projects. To learn more about Bayer Fund visit https://www.fund.bayer.us.