Philadelphia-based William Penn Foundation, an organization devoted to helping improve the conditions, experiences and opportunities in the Philadelphia region, recently awarded Philadelphia-based the Wistar Institute Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center, a nonprofit institution devoted exclusively to foundational biomedical research and training, a $600,000 grant.
The institute will use the funding to continue offering its Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Pre-apprenticeship Program, a paid laboratory training program. Community college students take prerequisite courses before beginning their training at the institute. They receive a full-time, hands-on laboratory orientation before completing two laboratory experiences. After students complete training, they can apply for more specialized techniques in laboratory experiences at the institute or other area academic and industry partner sites.
“Our established BTT Program, in its 25th year, has a proven record of providing the necessary foundational knowledge and hands-on lab training required for technicians and research assistants in the life sciences,” Dr. Kristy Shuda McGuire, dean of biomedical studies, said. “The BTT Pre-apprenticeship Program gives both community college students and adults an entry to pursue life-sustaining careers in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries in Philadelphia and beyond.”
The BTT program was originally designed to be a two-summer, hands-on, mentored, technician training opportunity.