Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Continues Investment in Life Sciences at AIC

SPRINGFIELD — Students at American International College (AIC) will have expanded opportunities for hands-on learning, skill development, and career preparation in the Commonwealth’s growing life sciences industry thanks to a $375,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC).

The grant will fund the transformation of an existing laboratory in the college’s Old Science Building into a modern teaching and learning environment equipped with industry-standard laboratory equipment, giving AIC students access to the tools and techniques used in biotechnology, medical diagnostics, and research.

The renovation builds on a 2024 MLSC grant that enabled the college to modernize laboratory equipment in the Old Science Building. The new project will include infrastructure improvements to meet biosafety standards and the permanent installation of molecular biology instrumentation. Together, these enhancements will create a contemporary laboratory that prepares students for the tools, technologies, and practices they will encounter in today’s life sciences workplaces. The laboratory will support students enrolled in biology, interdisciplinary science, applied laboratory science, and health sciences programs.

The award is part of $12.3 million announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration and the MLSC through the Education and Workforce Development Grant Program. AIC’s grant is one of 68 awards supporting life sciences education and workforce development across the Commonwealth.

“We are grateful to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and the Healey-Driscoll administration for their commitment to strengthening life sciences education and workforce development across the Commonwealth,” said Susanne Swanker, dean of AIC’s School of Business, Arts, and Sciences. “This grant will expand opportunities for our students to engage in hands-on learning, develop in-demand skills, and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, helping to prepare the next generation of professionals who will advance Massachusetts’ growing life sciences workforce.”

The investment reinforces AIC’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality STEM education while preparing students from diverse backgrounds for careers in one of the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing industries.