Paving the Way for Life Science Careers
As a group of Lowell-area young adults bundled up on one of the coldest days of the winter, not even 30-mph wind gusts could hinder their ambitions as they embarked on an eight-week lab skills training program at local educational nonprofit Project LEARN.
Last month, students traded in their winter jackets for white lab coats and stepped inside a lab on the Harvard Medical School campus, where they began to carefully measure solutions, pipette samples, and analyze data — many of them for the first time.
Just weeks ago, most had never set foot in a lab. Now, thanks to the HMS MEDscienceLAB Pathmaker program, they’re gaining hands-on skills that will launch them into Massachusetts’ booming life sciences industry.
With the state predicting life science jobs in the commonwealth to grow by 25% by 2030, the need for skilled workers has never been greater. That’s why Lowell-based nonprofit Project LEARN has teamed up with UMass Lowell and HMS MEDscience to create HMS MEDscienceLAB Pathmaker, an intensive training program designed to prepare 18-to-29-year-olds for entry-level roles in the field regardless of their educational background.
By bridging the gap between untapped talent and in-demand jobs, Pathmaker isn’t just opening doors for young people in the Merrimack Valley — it’s helping shape the future of the commonwealth’s workforce.
For many participants, Pathmaker is their first opportunity to explore the life sciences in a hands-on way. From recent high school graduates looking for an alternative to the traditional four-year college path, to young adults who have started careers after high school and are now ready for a change, participants like Lowell High graduate Tiana Nhem are using the program to map out a course toward their professional goals.
“I joined Pathmaker to gain invaluable skills in the life sciences and learn more about the diverse career opportunities within,” said Nhem.
But the program offered much more than she expected, helping her shape her passions into a clearer vision for her future.
“This experience not only taught me what I set out to learn, but also helped me discover new things about myself and my potential,” she said. “It’s been a transformative journey that’s prepared me to take the next steps toward a fulfilling career in the health field.”
Massachusetts has long been a national leader in biotechnology and health care innovation, but as the industry expands, companies are struggling to fill critical entry-level positions, including lab technicians, research assistants, and patient care technicians.
Many of these jobs don’t require advanced degrees — just strong foundational skills, lab experience, and industry knowledge. That’s where the HMS MEDscienceLAB Pathmaker program comes in. Over the course of eight weeks, participants learn essential lab techniques, develop professional skills, and gain exposure to industry mentors who help guide them toward potential career paths.
For employers, Pathmaker is creating a pipeline of skilled, motivated workers who are ready to contribute from day one. For young adults in Lowell, the program, which is made possible due to generous funding from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, is opening up opportunities that many never thought possible.
Through their work in the Lowell community, Project LEARN emphasizes the long-term positive impact of career-connected learning experiences.
“Pathmaker isn’t just about training — it’s about transformation,” said Executive Director LZ Nunn. “It’s about showing young people in the Merrimack Valley that they have a place in this industry, and that the future of science includes them.”
Pathmaker is a dynamic partnership between Project LEARN, UMass Lowell, and HMS MEDscience, a program known for its innovative science education. Together, these organizations are working to create a more inclusive and accessible pathway into the life sciences.
The program’s hands-on approach is a key part of its success. Rather than learning in a traditional classroom, participants train in real labs, using the same equipment and techniques found in industry settings, practicing clinical skills with interactive mannequins. They also receive one-on-one mentorship from Project LEARN to help them build the necessary career skills to land a full-time role after completing the program.
Julie Joyal, HMS MEDscience executive director, feels strongly about the Lowell and Boston partnership.
“Our mission at HMS MEDscience is to inspire and empower a rising generation of diverse scientists,” Joyal said. “Through the Pathmaker program, our trainees begin to see a future for themselves in Massachusetts’ leading industries, while building the skills, confidence, and network to take the next step in their career journey.
“Every week, our team is blown away by the talent, passion, and commitment of our trainees. With this program, we find that inspiration is a two-way street,” continued Joyal.
The focus is on ensuring that each participant leaves the program with the skills and confidence needed to take their next step — whether that’s a full-time job, further education, or another opportunity in the life sciences field.