Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona, MCCCD announce bioscience funding

PHOENIX — Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton and the Maricopa County Community College District announced new funding for bioscience program development at MCCs Monday morning.

A House Appropriations bill secured $1 million in federal community project funding to go toward expanding such programs, according to a press release.

MCCCD submitted a proposal to Stanton for the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation LabForce Bioscience Program in April.

“Schools like Maricopa Community Colleges give our students the tools that could help them find the next scientific breakthrough or discover lifesaving cures—and they attract companies who are looking for a highly skilled and developed workforce,” Stanton said in the release.

“These companies bring jobs to the Valley, bolster our economy and help keep our graduates here at home. That’s why I’m proud to partner with MCCCD to help to expand and develop its STEM program, equipping our best and brightest with the skills they need to thrive.”

Bioscience is the development of biological solutions to improve and sustain the quality of human, plant and animal life, as defined by the release.

The program is designed to provide students traditional lab technician training and niche skills to elevate bioscience businesses, MCCCD Board President Marie Sullivan explained in the release.

“As a result of Arizona’s rapidly growing bioscience sector, the Maricopa Community Colleges have taken critical steps in investments and resources needed to support the expansion of current workforce development opportunities for our student population,” Sullivan said in the release.

The MCCCD includes 10 colleges: Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, South Mountain and the Maricopa Corporate College.

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