On March 12, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced more than $6.5 million in PAsmart Registered Apprenticeship Grants. Wistar is one of the awarded institutions, receiving a $212,499 grant in support of the Expansion, Curriculum Evolution and Enhancement During Biomedical Technician Training (ExCEED BTT) program.
Building on the signature Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program, ExCEED BTT was designed to enhance training and expand opportunities for community college students to participate in paid pre-apprenticeship experiences that will prepare them for careers in the region’s growing biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sector.
PAsmart was launched in 2018 to increase STEM and computer science education following the “earn while you learn” model, in which trainees learn the skills that growing businesses need while working and earning a wage.
“We are extremely grateful to the PA Department of L&I for their continued support of Wistar’s efforts in training the next generation of life sciences professionals,” said Brian Keith, Ph.D., dean of biomedical studies at Wistar. “This award will allow us to augment our ongoing training mission and prepare our students for careers in the growing biomedical research workforce.”
In 2019, Wistar was one of the first institutions to receive funding from the PAsmart program after its launch.