Massachusetts announced that the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) will be providing a $100,000 grant to The Partnership, Inc. in order to develop a diversity-focused professional development program that will maximize the training and retention of underrepresented minorities working in the life sciences industry. The funds will be used for research, program creation, implementation, and evaluation. “Massachusetts’ competitive edge lies in our highly skilled people, exceptional academic institutions, cutting-edge private companies, and above all, our willingness to work together to connect workers with employment opportunities,” said Governor Patrick. “By providing workers from diverse backgrounds with important skills and training through this grant, we are supporting opportunities in this critical industry and ensuring a strong economic future for our Commonwealth.” The Partnership’s portfolio of services is designed to strengthen the Commonwealth’s capacity to attract, train, retain and convene professionals of color – and in doing so, enhance the competitiveness of the region. The Partnership also proposes strategies that ensure people of color will be able to achieve leadership roles in their career. Through grant funds from the MLSC, The Partnership will be able to effectively implement a program that creates employment opportunities for workers from diverse background across Massachusetts. “Diversifying the life sciences workforce has been a long-standing priority of the MLSC, and this grant will help to ensure that our state’s fastest-growing industry sectors can attract and retain the best and brightest talent, regardless of race and ethnicity,” said Susan-Windham Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the MLSC. “The demographics of the workforce are changing, so it is important for the Center help create career pathways that ensure life sciences employers can find the talent they need.” “This grant from MLSC will help accelerate the inclusion of professional of colors into the life sciences,” said Ralph C. Martin II, Chairman of the Board of The Partnership. “Our goal at The Partnership is to help one of the key economic engines of the greater Boston and Massachusetts economy develop a competitive advantage over other regions of the country.” The Partnership, in collaboration with Biogen Idec, will convene a workshop gathering the largest life sciences companies and organizations in Massachusetts in order to identify industry needs with an emphasis on increasing diversity and inclusion within the field. The workshop will also identify techniques to attract and secure culturally diverse talent throughout the state. Following the workshop, The Partnership will analyze responses and feedback to evaluate the professional development needs of underrepresented minorities in the life sciences industry. masslifesciences/
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 11:53:42 +0000
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