STLCC to Support Bioscience Workforce Training

St. Louis Community College has been chosen as a partner to deliver workforce training in the critical area of bioscience. The $2 million initiative is funded through Missouri’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $30 million competitive grant program administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The College is supporting the establishment of BIOTECH for MO, the first bioscience industry-led, statewide workforce training effort. Leading this effort is BioSTL, a nonprofit with more than 20 years of experience developing programs that solve important world challenges in agriculture, medicine, healthcare and other fields. The other key partners include the Missouri Biotechnology Association (MOBIO), a statewide group that serves to connect, develop, and advance the state’s bioscience community; and BioNexus KC, a nonprofit advancing the Kansas City bi-state region as a global leader at the nexus of human and animal health.

“The College is proud to partner with BioSTL in creating the next generation of bioscience workers in St. Louis,” said Jeff Pittman, Ph.D., chancellor of STLCC. “The MO ARPA Workforce Training Grant is a great extension of this work across the state for BioSTL, BioNexus KC and MOBIO, along with our Kansas City area counterpart, Metropolitan Community College, and others. These jobs are at the heart of the healthcare, medical and agricultural industries that are critical to our region.”

Under this program, STLCC will assist with delivering training and will help champion the efforts of BioSTL in the region and across the state. 

Initially, the BIOTECH for MO initiative is projected to serve at least 350 individuals in preparing for and securing new, quality jobs. The grant also provides funding to domestic drug supply chains and support underrepresented and underserved communities so they may secure quality employment in the bioscience sector. 

“A stronger workforce means a stronger tomorrow, and this [Workforce Training Grant] program will go a long way in ensuring Missouri workers can meet the demands of the future,” said Governor Michael L. Parson.