WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski  (both D-Md.) today announced that Hagerstown Community College (HCC) has been awarded a $651,249 grant over five years from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a microscopy training center and engage students in biotechnology. As Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, Senator Mikulski puts funds in the federal checkbook for NSF every year.

“I am very pleased with this grant, it is an investment in education and innovation; two things that keep America moving forward,” said Senator Cardin. “Hagerstown Community College, and institutions like it across the country are instilling our students with the skills they need to succeed thanks to sound federal investments in our future.”

“In Maryland, biotech means jobs, jobs, jobs,” Senator Mikulski said. “Students with backgrounds in biotech are in demand today so they can fill the jobs of tomorrow. This federal funding will help show students at HCC that bioscience isn’t just fun – it’s the key to good job and promising future.”

The microscopy training center at HCC will allow faculty members, general education students, and biology and biotechnology majors to have access to hands-on light, phase and fluorescence microscopy training for the first time. The federal funding will also create two new biotechnology courses, update existing biology courses with new protocols, develop options for entry into biotechnology employment, including internships, and outreach to elementary, middle and high school students and teachers in mobile microscopy training through summer workshops and in-service day activities.