DWS Press Release
September 8, 2014
State Grants Align Educational Outcomes with Industry Needs Medical Research
Training Program plans to use grant money to strengthen collaborations with the life sciences industry
SALT LAKE CITY--University of Utah stem cell researchers are now equipped to prepare more students for future careers thanks to grant money from the Utah Cluster Acceleration Partnership (UCAP).
The University of Utah Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine program was awarded $200,000, one of 14 other grants to education institutions and economic development programs across the state totaling $2 million. Representatives of UCAP visited the program today for a tour of the laboratory to see how the funds will be used.
"Aligning what students are learning today better prepares them to meet the needs of businesses tomorrow," said Jon Pierpont, Executive Director of the Department of Workforce Services. "We're extremely excited to play a part in building our workforce in the biomedical field, as well as all other sectors."
The Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine program specializes in stem cell research for leukemia, retinitis, heart disease, ALS, arthritis and more. In addition, it works to partner with private companies to further enhance research capabilities and increase the economic viability of the life science industry. This funding will help the program strengthen relationships with the private sector in the life sciences industry, increasing collaboration on research and development.
UCAP is a joint effort between the Department of Workforce Services, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Utah System of Higher Education. UCAP provides grant funding to education programs to expand their ability to train our workforce in targeted, high-demand industries.
A list of all 15 grants awarded during this grant year can be found in the 2014 UCAP Executive Summary
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