BioConnect DE Biomanufacturing Training Program Celebrates Second Graduating Class

Program Achieves 100% Completion Rate as Workforce Initiative Gains Momentum

Public–Private Collaboration Continues to Strengthen Delaware’s Life Sciences Talent
Pipeline

WILMINGTON, DE (March 2, 2026) – BioConnect DE marked another major milestone in Delaware’s growing life sciences workforce ecosystem, celebrating the graduation of its second cohort of 25 trainees from the Biomanufacturing Training Program.

The ceremony, held at EastSide Charter School in Wilmington on March 2, 2026, recognized participants who successfully completed the program’s intensive, tuition-free 8-week training, designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles in biomanufacturing—positions that typically do not require a four-year degree. Notably, the second cohort achieved a 100 percent graduation rate, underscoring both the strength of the program model and the commitment of its participants.

BioConnect DE is delivered through the Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training, in partnership with the Delaware BioScience Association (Delaware Bio) and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI) at the University of Delaware, and is supported by federal funding, industry investment, and community collaboration. This collaborative model is central to BioConnect DE’s mission to expand access to careers and strengthen Delaware’s life sciences workforce pipeline.

“This cohort reflects what’s possible when we intentionally align education, industry, and community,” said Katie Lakofsky, Executive Director of BioConnect DE. “These individuals are not only job-ready but they are equipped with the technical skills, professionalism, and confidence to contribute on day one. This is how we build a sustainable workforce.”

“BioConnect DE is uniquely Delaware,” AstraZeneca Learning & Development Specialist Valerie Ranieri said during the ceremony. “It’s an example of what happens when a state brings industry, educators, and government together to design a workforce model that meets real employer needs while opening real doors for people across our communities. By focusing on non-degree pathways and hands-on, employer-informed training, BioConnect DE is removing barriers, building confidence, and translating potential into opportunity.”

Addressing Workforce Needs at Scale

The continued success of the BioConnect DE program reflects a broader, data-driven response to workforce demands across Delaware’s life sciences sector. Industry assessments and employer engagement have consistently highlighted the need for skilled talent in advanced manufacturing and operational roles.

These findings align with national priorities, including recent recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, which emphasize the urgency of building a robust domestic biomanufacturing workforce to support U.S. competitiveness and national security.

In response, the BioConnect DE curriculum was designed in close collaboration with employers to ensure alignment with real-world job requirements. The program also incorporates intentional outreach and community engagement strategies to raise awareness of career pathways and attract diverse talent into the sector.

Preparing Talent for Immediate Impact

The $3 million, three-year pilot program focuses on recruiting and training individuals in basic laboratory and advanced biomanufacturing skills, including quality management systems, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Good Documentation Practices and cleanroom procedures.

Participants also benefit from direct engagement with industry professionals through guest lectures and employer interactions with representatives from organizations such as AstraZeneca, Datwyler, Noramco, Tru Global, and the University of Delaware.

“Partnerships like this make training relevant, accelerate workforce readiness, and help ensure that when opportunity knocks, talent is truly prepared to step in and contribute,” Ranieri said. AstraZeneca has been a key partner for this training program, hiring several past graduates and currently interviewing graduates from this graduating class for open positions.

As part of the program, students completed a collaborative capstone project, designing and delivering a training session, building skills in communication, teamwork, and technical instruction. Training was conducted at EastSide Charter School’s Chemours STEM Hub, providing a modern, hands-on learning environment.

Recruitment is wrapping up for the third cohort of 25 students, scheduled to begin training on April 13, 2026.

Expanding Access to Life Sciences Careers

The program continues to attract individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including healthcare, retail, hospitality, and other industries, creating new entry points into Delaware’s life sciences sector. Graduate Edward Powell, whose mother participated in the inaugural cohort, described the program as a transformative opportunity:

“I’ve always been interested in STEM, but this program gave me a real pathway to pursue it,” Powell said. “Biomanufacturing offers a hands-on career where precision and teamwork matter. I’m excited to continue building my skills and contribute to an industry that has real impact.”

Strong Community and Industry Support

The graduation ceremony featured remarks from key partners, including EastSide Charter School CEO Aaron Bass, AstraZeneca representative Valerie Ranieri, and BioConnect DE participants, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative.

Employers across Delaware’s life sciences sector are actively engaging with BioConnect DE graduates through mock interviews, site tours and guest lectures. Additional engagement activities and hiring efforts are ongoing as graduates transition into the workforce.

The BioConnect DE Training Class of Winter 2026

Ahmed Childs, Alexandra Campbell, Bengir al Labib, Chanae Edwards, Crystal Patterson, Donieshia Phares, Edward Powell, Guadalupe Aguilar, Irene Doles-Faheem, Jade Petroski, Jhalil Adams, Jinhee Oh, Joshua Banks, Melinda Porter, NaTalia Nelson, Nicholas Curley, Perpetual Sampson, Raheem Roberts, Seth Raines, Shawna Hand, Stella Chen, Tabitha Burchard, Timothy Ryan McCarley, Tysha Sheppard, William Banks.

About BioConnect DE
Launched by the Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training, a nonprofit affiliate of the Delaware BioScience Association and in partnership with the University of Delaware, BioConnect DE serves as a central hub for job seekers, employers and training programs to advance career pathways in the biosciences. For more information about BioConnect DE and the Biomanufacturing Training Program, visit www.bioconnectde.org.

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