Less than two years ago, JP Ronaldo Dena arrived in the U.S. from his native Haiti. He knew right away that learning English would be key to his future. Between school, a full-time job, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at Quincy College, he learned his new language and gained entry into the college’s Pathmaker Biotechnology and Good Manufacturing Certificate Program (offered in partnership with the MLSC).
JP was then hired at Fagron Sterile Services in Canton, MA and within six months he was promoted to a supervisory position. Now he plans to return to earn his associate’s degree while continuing to work at Fagron. JP believes all of these efforts are helping him pursue his ultimate goal of being a biotechnologist.
In 2023, Quincy College was awarded $750,000 to support the training of 75 students through the MLSC Pathmaker program. To date, 43 students have completed the program, with additional training continuing through 2025. For graduates who have secured full-time employment, their annual wages doubled, on average, from $24,000 per year to $50,000 per year, with at least one Pathmaker graduate earning a starting wage of $74,000 per year.
The MLSC Pathmaker program funds industry-aligned training programs that address critical skills and talent supply gaps and connects skilled, diverse workers with life science career opportunities in Massachusetts. The program is currently accepting applications, click here to learn more.
