AIC Awarded Life-sciences Grant to Modernize Science Labs
SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Workforce Development Capital Grant Program to support the renovation and upgrade of the college’s Old Science Building and fund the purchase of new equipment for life-sciences courses within the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences. Renovation work is scheduled to begin this fall.
The grant was part of a broader $13.1 million in funding announced on July 22 by the Healey-Driscoll administration.
“Our workforce remains our calling card in the life sciences and other key sectors thanks to our top-tier educational system and outstanding training and higher-education institutions,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “We are incredibly proud to support so many institutions, students, and teachers with these awards as we expand opportunity regionally and grow a talent pool that is the envy of the world for life-science employers.”
The Old Science Building, constructed in 1956, marked the beginning of a new era of development on AIC’s historic campus. Located on the eastern side of the main quadrangle and notable for its small greenhouse at the center of its façade, the brick building was originally designed to accommodate the biology and chemistry labs and classrooms, which had previously been housed in Olde Hall, a wooden structure built in 1892.
Today, the Old Science Building continues to serve as the venue for courses in biology and chemistry. The effort to secure this funding was led by Susanne Swanker, dean of the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, along with a dedicated team of life-sciences faculty members who supported the grant application and will oversee the improvements.
“This grant represents a significant investment in the future of our students and the life sciences program at AIC,” Swanker said. “By modernizing the Old Science Building, we are not only preserving a piece of our history, but also providing our students with the innovative tools and environment they need to excel in an increasingly competitive field. We are grateful for the support of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and look forward to the enhanced learning opportunities this will create for AIC students.”
In addition to the physical upgrades, the funding will also help purchase new equipment for teaching labs in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and microbiology. These state-of-the-art facilities will provide students with hands-on experience in settings that closely replicate real-world labs, enhancing their learning and ensuring the curriculum reflects current industry standards.