Philadelphia, December 2, 2025
The Wistar Institute has secured a $600,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation to expand its Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Pre-apprenticeship Program. This initiative aims to improve job opportunities in Philadelphia’s life sciences sector for adults and community college students. The grant supports enhanced lab training and externship opportunities, positioning the BTT Program as a vital resource in workforce development, fostering skills necessary to thrive in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
Wistar Institute Receives Funding Boost for Biomedical Training
Grant from the William Penn Foundation to Expand Workforce Development
Philadelphia, PA – The Wistar Institute has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation to continue and expand its Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Pre-apprenticeship Program. This funding aims to enhance job opportunities in the life sciences sector for Philadelphia adults seeking career changes and community college students preparing to enter the region’s growing life sciences workforce.
This substantial grant supports the Wistar’s Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center in maintaining and broadening its pre-apprenticeship offerings. This is noteworthy as it marks the first grant awarded specifically to the Schoemaker Center by the William Penn Foundation, which has provided assistance to Wistar for nearly sixty years.
A Proven Pathway to Careers
Established in 2000, the BTT Program has a commendable track record of imparting essential knowledge and practical lab training necessary for technicians and research assistants in the life sciences. It serves both community college students and adults an entry point to pursue meaningful careers in Philadelphia’s biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
The BTT Program is structured as a paid laboratory training program. After completing prerequisite courses, community college students embark on full-time, hands-on laboratory training at The Wistar Institute, followed by two laboratory experiences. Adults motivated to change careers participate in a program that begins with 10 weeks of evening classes, focusing on foundational topics in cellular and molecular biology and biotechnology. This is succeeded by full-time lab orientation and a 10-12-week externship at a local employer.
Building a Skilled Workforce
The BTT Program has been recognized as an innovative model for workforce development, catering to a diverse student population and equipping them for positions within both academic and industry laboratories. This expansion aligns with Wistar’s commitment to strengthening the life science industry in the region.
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945, aims to broaden access to crucial resources that foster a vital and equitable city. By investing in programs like the BTT, the foundation focuses on bolstering initiatives that equip Philadelphians with skill sets necessary for well-paying and sustainable employment opportunities.
A Legacy of Research and Training
The Wistar Institute stands as the nation’s first independent nonprofit institution dedicated exclusively to foundational biomedical research and training. Since 1972, it has achieved National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center status. Wistar’s dedication to collaboration and innovation in biomedical science leads to groundbreaking discoveries and supports the growth of life science startups, further contributing to Philadelphia’s economic landscape.
Expanding Career Pathways in Philadelphia
As the life sciences sector continues to expand, efforts like the BTT Program play a crucial role in ensuring that local residents are well-prepared to take advantage of new job opportunities. This not only fosters economic growth but also contributes to the vitality of the surrounding community. The investment in educational programs paired with hands-on training underscores the importance of investing in local talent and infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of the economy.
Key Features of the BTT Pre-apprenticeship Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Paid laboratory training program |
| Target Audience | Community college students and adults seeking career changes |
| Program Structure | 10 weeks of evening classes, full-time laboratory orientation, and 10-12-week externship |
| Grant Amount | $600,000 from the William Penn Foundation |
| Program Goal | Enhance job opportunities in the life sciences sector for Philadelphia residents |
Conclusion
The funding awarded to the Wistar Institute signals a promising opportunity for workforce development within Philadelphia’s life sciences sector. Programs like the BTT Pre-apprenticeship are crucial for cultivating skills and ensuring that local residents can successfully navigate new career landscapes. As this initiative grows, it will undoubtedly contribute to the broader economic success of Philadelphia. Supporting local educational efforts and workforce training can significantly influence the city’s future and the well-being of its communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Pre-apprenticeship Program?
The BTT Pre-apprenticeship Program is a paid laboratory training program that provides foundational knowledge and hands-on lab training required for technicians and research assistants in the life sciences. It offers both community college students and adults an entry point to pursue careers in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries in Philadelphia and beyond.
Who is eligible to participate in the BTT Pre-apprenticeship Program?
The program is designed for community college students and adults seeking new career opportunities in the life sciences sector. Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Wistar Institute.
How is the BTT Pre-apprenticeship Program structured?
The program includes 10 weeks of evening classes focused on foundational curriculum in cellular and molecular biology and biotechnology, followed by a full-time, hands-on laboratory orientation and a 10-12-week externship at a local employer.
What is the William Penn Foundation’s role in this program?
The William Penn Foundation awarded a $600,000 grant to the Wistar Institute to continue and expand the BTT Pre-apprenticeship Program, aiming to enhance job opportunities in the life sciences sector for Philadelphia adults seeking career changes and community college students preparing to enter the region’s growing life sciences workforce.
What is the Wistar Institute?
The Wistar Institute is the nation’s first independent nonprofit institution devoted exclusively to foundational biomedical research and training. Since 1972, the Institute has held National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center status and is dedicated to solving some of the world’s most challenging problems in the field of cancer and immunology, advancing human health through early-stage discovery and training the next generation of biomedical researchers.
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