Innovative Delaware Public-Private STEM Workforce Initiatives Announced
Friday, June 14, 2024
Posted by: Nicolette Nordmark
Industry and Government Leaders Hail Comprehensive New Programs and Investments to Deliver Diverse Science and Technology Talent Pipeline
$2.1 Million Federal Grant Will Fund Bioscience Manufacturing Training Pilot
WILMINGTON, DE (June 14, 2024) – Leading Delaware business, educational and government officials today heralded a comprehensive package of initiatives designed to strengthen the state’s STEM workforce.
The array of new programs and proposals were announced at a gathering of the Delaware Life Science Caucus at EastSide Charter School’s new Chemours STEM Hub. They include:
- Launch of the Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training. The new organization will serve as a regional catalyst for the next generation of life science talent at every level, partnering with industry, educators and government to address current and future employer needs.
- A $3 million, three-year pilot program to recruit and train individuals in basic laboratory and advanced and biomanufacturing skills. Key initial funding for the innovative pilot comes from a $2.1 million Congressionally Directed Spending grant supported by US Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons. The three-year pilot also has the support of the state, the Delaware BioScience Association and additional private financial and in-kind support.
- Introduction of the “DE-STAR” Act. The legislation, HB 435, introduced by Reps. Krista Griffith and Mike Smith and Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, creates the "Delaware STEM Talent Advancement and Retention” program to attract and retain new university graduates with Delaware STEM employers by supporting a portion of their college loan payments. This pilot effort will receive additional state and private funding to support individual credits of up to $6000.
The program announcements come two years after a seminal report released by the Delaware BioScience Association and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership that identified the need to invest in the development of a diverse, prepared and resilient workforce to ensure future life science industry growth. Following the report findings, Delaware Bio undertook an in-depth review of employer needs and educational and training capabilities leading to the appointment of the nation’s first-ever role focused on life science workforce development. These initiatives come as a direct result of that effort.
“The life science industry continues to be an important part of our economy,” said Governor John Carney. “Programs that invest in Delawareans to be the next generation of life science workers and leaders will yield positive results for our state.”
“I am thrilled to join Senator Coons to deliver the funding to start the pilot program to recruit and train our future biomanufacturing workforce,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “It’s important that we create a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation, and this training will go a long way to support Delaware’s first-class workforce and thriving biosciences industry.”
“Delaware’s growth as a hub for biotechnology and biomanufacturing strengthens our global leadership in research and innovation,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “Securing federal funding—this time for a $2.1 million bioscience manufacturing pilot with the new Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training —will help grow the First States’s biotechnology workforce, creating good paying careers for Delawareans in advanced manufacturing, and keep Delaware at the forefront of life science innovation.”
“The Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training will invest in our young people so that they are set up for success,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Future of Work Caucus. “I’m proud to have worked alongside Senators Carper and Coons to secure federal funding for important STEM initiatives at EastSide Charter and other community organizations, and I will continue working to ensure that every student and adult are equipped with the skills they need to join our life sciences workforce.”
“I am excited to see the launch of the new Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training,” said State Representative Krista Griffith. “Delaware has always maintained such a first-rate talent pool in the life science industry, but we are now at a place where we need to continue to invest in the next generation to hold our strong presence in these industries. This center along with initiatives such as HB 435 creating the STAR Program, will be enormously helpful in supporting these important careers.”
“At UD, we are constantly striving to be an engine of innovation and economic growth for the State,” said Dr. Dennis Assanis, University of Delaware President. “This program provides another avenue that would not only help us attract the highest quality students to Delaware, but also retain them in our state after graduation to fill critical jobs in our growing science and technology-based economy.”
“The burden of student loan debt is borne disproportionately by people of color, with Black women hit especially hard, so the DE-STAR program will particularly benefit graduates of Delaware State University,” said Melissa Harrington, PhD, Associate Vice-President for Research of Delaware State University and Director of Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research. “By reducing their student loan debt, DE-STAR will support our graduates to pursue and thrive in STEM careers within the state, ultimately contributing to Delaware’s innovation and economic vitality.”
“The simple goal of these initiatives is to make Delaware the very best place in the world for employers to find life science talent at every level – from advanced manufacturing operators to PhDs,” said Michael Fleming, Delaware Bio President and CEO. “These new efforts will attract talent and companies of all sizes, strengthen our state’s manufacturing capability, boost regional economic growth and advance our national security.”
New Center Focuses on Engaging and Training Talent
The newly formed Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training was established by the Delaware BioScience Association to accelerate the engagement, training, and delivery of a robust life science workforce. Through strategic partnerships with industry, academic institutions and community organizations, the Center aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in life science careers. The Center will serve as a cornerstone of workforce development, enhance local economic development and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the regional life sciences community.
Pilot Manufacturing Training Program Launches with Federal Funds
One early focus of the Center will be the development of an innovative, employer-informed pilot training program designed to equip participants with essential skills for biomanufacturing and laboratory roles. Earlier this year, the Center secured significant initial funding through a $2.1+ million Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) appropriation, thanks to the support of Delaware US Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons. The federal funds will be supplemented by significant additional state, philanthropic and private funds. The pilot biomanufacturing training program is set to launch in Q1 2025, with significant resources dedicated to identifying and recruiting participants, as well as removing barriers to accessing the training. Key partners include non-profit community organizations serving the City of Wilmington, such as The Warehouse, West End Neighborhood House, and East Side Charter. The pilot training program will take place at the Chemours STEM Hub at Eastside Charter School and other locations.
HB 435, DE-STAR to Attract College STEM Talent
Delaware science and technology employers are growing, yet they face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining STEM talent. The proposed STEM Talent Advancement and Retention Program (“STAR Program”) aims to address these challenges by offering post-secondary graduates employed in Delaware STEM fields personal income tax credits to reduce the debt on their student loans. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Rep. Krista Griffin and Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos and is cosponsored by Life Science Caucus Cofounder Rep. Mike Smith.
“These important STEM-focused initiatives will serve the state well by addressing employer needs, informing communities about jobs in a robust area of our economy, retaining science and technology companies and keeping talent in Delaware which is a wellspring for any industry sector,” said Kurt Foreman, President and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.
“We are excited to see this comprehensive package of initiatives focused on the need to strengthen and retain Delaware’s STEM workforce,” said Brian DiSabatino, Delaware Business Roundtable Chair. “Delaware’s ability to compete with other states for jobs, talent, and investment in the life sciences industry rests squarely on our willingness to invest in the development of highly trained people to meet the needs of employers. Whether those needs are for advanced manufacturing operators or PhDs, the initiatives announced today will help develop a qualified and diverse workforce for well-paying job opportunities at many levels.”
“Delaware Technology Park is very supportive of the proposed legislation STEM Talent Advancement and Retention Program,” said Mike Bowman, CEO and President of Delaware Technology Park. “For any STEM focused business, the two most significant success factors are capital to grow and attraction and retention of a skilled workforce.”
“As a Manufacturing USA institute, NIIMBL (the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals) has a deep understanding of the employment shortfall the biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector faces today, and that is projected in the coming years,” said Kelvin Lee, Director of NIIMBL. “To address this need and build the training programs for the future, we facilitate collaborative workforce development projects across the nation. We are excited about these local STEM workforce initiatives announced today and look forward to supporting the growth of Delaware’s economy."
“With the transformational STEM-related growth and economic development taking place in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region right now, this is a much-needed initiative that will serve to build and retain a talent pipeline that will take us into the future,” said Dora Cheatham, Board of Directors for Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA) and Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub.
“Having a diverse pool of workers trained in science, laboratory operations, and manufacturing is crucial to the success of science-based companies like Agilent,” said Bryan Fisher, Associate Vice President, Global Service Contact Centers of Agilent Technologies. “I applaud the Delaware BioScience Association for spearheading these efforts. Programs like these continue to make Delaware a great place to do business.”
“A talented, diverse and well-trained workforce is critical to the success of our Delaware operations spanning manufacturing and business roles,” said Shamus Whyte, Executive Director and General Manager of AstraZeneca’s Newark manufacturing facility. “We are pleased to see these important life science workforce initiatives that will help recruit, retain and mobilize the next generation of STEM talent in Delaware.”
“These new STEM initiatives make Delaware an even more attractive place to not only start but continue to grow life science and manufacturing companies,” said Paula Swain, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Incyte. “These new programs are another example of how the private and public sector come together to address issues related to STEM education.”
“At IFF, we believe in ‘doing more good’ which includes giving back to the communities in which we work and live,” said Angela Strzelecki, President of IFF Pharma Solutions. “With a large contingency of Pharma Solutions’ colleagues based in Wilmington, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support STEM-focused initiatives and are excited by today’s announcement highlighting investments in STEM education and programs in Delaware. It is wonderful to see the public and private sector partnering to help ensure that Delaware is a great place for science-focused companies to take root and develop a strong pipeline of STEM talent to further innovation.”
“Prelude relies on its incredibly talented team of scientists to fulfill its mission to discover and develop innovative medicine for cancer patients in need,” said Michele Porreca, Chief People Officer of Prelude Therapeutics, Inc. “This bill and associated supportive actions by the state will assist Delaware-based employers, like us, to continue supporting our dedicated team members who are committed to the innovation and discovery of breakthrough medicines. Also, bills like these encourage STEM talent to build their careers in DE, directly enhancing our ability to attract new talent. We thank all who introduced this legislation and are excited about the positive impact it will have on strengthening our state’s STEM workforce.” “By fostering a culture of innovation, Delaware has successfully sparked a new wave of economic growth in our life sciences industry, which in turn has led to high demand for well-trained and highly skilled workers among our state-supported research ventures and locally grown bioscience companies,” said Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, chair of the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance and Technology Committee. “Now, we are stepping up once again to make the kinds of critical investments in our workforce that will empower Delaware’s working families to share in that success by giving them the training they need to secure good-paying, high-demand jobs in our rapidly growing bioscience industry,” he said. “These initiatives are another great example of how collaboration among state legislators, Governor Carney, our Congressional delegation and our bioscience industry is creating real prosperity for our communities.”
“Growing Delaware's economy needs to be a top priority as we make our way through 2024 and gear up for a new Gubernatorial administration starting in 2025,” said State Representative Mike Smith. “The Financial Services Act grew Delaware to where we are today, but we need to grow Delaware with the assets we have in place and catalyze off of our institutions of higher education and partners in the region to create a workforce of the future. The life sciences industry is Delaware's next big opportunity!”
“Today’s announcements serve as the framework for a comprehensive STEM workforce strategy,” said Katie Lakofsky, state bioscience workforce lead and President of the Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training. “Our future success will depend on innovative public-private partnerships that effectively listen to and address the dynamic needs of cutting-edge STEM employers who want to grow right here.”
About Delaware BioScience Association
The Delaware BioScience Association (Delaware Bio) is a catalyst for bioscience innovation in Delaware. We serve pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, agricultural biotech and chemical companies, research and testing companies, hospitals and medical institutions, academic partners and other organizations and companies that support them, with the goal of expanding our state’s vibrant science economy. Our more than 170 member companies and organizations are of every size, from global leaders to small start-ups, representing 11,000 innovation-based jobs vital to Delaware’s economic future.
About EastSide Charter School/Chemours STEM Hub
EastSide Charter School is a transformative educational institution committed to providing high-quality education to its diverse student body. The Chemours STEM Hub at EastSide Charter School is expected to be completed during the 2024-2025 school year, featuring a 40,000 square foot facility dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. The new Hub will also offer public spaces and serve as a premier access point for STEM education and training in the Wilmington community.
Contact Jamie Pedrick – Director, Marketing and Communications 410-920-2668
|
Print Page
Email to a Friend