Patriot Ledger // Published April 30, 2019 // By Mary Whitfill

QUINCY — The biotechnology program at Quincy College is getting a $725,000 cash infusion through the capital program of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a Waltham-based investment group.

The state partnered with the center to announce nearly $40 million in grants to 11 life sciences programs across Massachusetts. Quincy College says the grants will help elevate the school’s Biotechnology and Good Manufacturing Practice Program, which has been at enrollment capacity for the last seven years.

Bruce Van Dyke, chair of the Quincy College program, said the money would be used to train students in gene therapy techniques and purchase new equipment for training.

“This specialized and customized training pipeline supports the Commonwealth’s biopharma industry from the ground up,” Quincy College President Michael Bellotti said in a statement. “Quincy College is uniquely positioned to support skill development for all levels of professionals working in the biotech industry.”

The biotech program deals with practical applications of the science behind pharmaceutical production, agriculture and bioremediation, or the removal of environmental pollutants. At Quincy College, the program teaches lab techniques and prepares students to either enter the workforce as laboratory technicians and research assistants or transfer to a four-year college.

“There is a real need in the industry for both qualified professionals graduating from programs like Quincy College’s Biotechnology and (Good Manufacturing Practice) program, and for customized incumbent worker training that we offer in our state-of-the-art biotechnology lab,” Bellotti said.

This the second grant the program has received from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. The first was for $645,000.

Reach Mary Whitfill at mwhitfill@patriotledger.com.