Governor Wes Moore announced today that Frederick Community College (FCC) is one of ten recipients (and the only 2-year college) awarded funding through Maryland’s innovative Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program. This strategic initiative significantly enhances FCC’s capacity to support Maryland's thriving biotechnology industry.

This investment in FCC, of $292,600 in state funding, complemented by an FCC cash match of $585,200, totaling $877,800 dedicated to the College’s Building for Biotech project. The funds will create state-of-the-art biotechnology training facilities, demonstrating FCC’s robust commitment to supporting Frederick County’s biotechnology industry, workforce, and students.

“This grant is a game-changer for FCC and our students,” said Dr. Anne P. Davis, Provost and Vice President for Teaching, Learning and Student Success. “It allows us to elevate our planned lab renovations with cutting-edge biotechnology equipment reflective of Frederick County’s strength in this key sector. With expanded space, a new mock clean room, and enhanced training capabilities, we are preparing students not just for today’s workforce—but for the future of biotechnology in Maryland and beyond.”

The Building for Biotech project will expand FCC’s biotechnology lab space by 40%, enhance storage facilities, create a simulated clean room, and convert an existing classroom into a specialized cell culture laboratory. The upgraded infrastructure will include advanced biotechnology equipment and other industry-standard tools. Construction for the expanded biotechnology facilities is projected to conclude by Summer 2026.

Governor Moore emphasized Maryland’s strategic investments in high-growth sectors like biotechnology, underscoring the state's longstanding commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and workforce development. For FCC, this investment supports more than infrastructure—it supports the momentum of an institution deeply embedded in the future of regional talent development. As construction begins, the College’s biotech mission expands not just in size, but in scope—reaching new learners and industries with tools and training that keep Maryland competitive. In doing so, FCC recommits to its role at the forefront of shaping Maryland’s innovation workforce—ready to meet the needs of tomorrow with the vision, resolve, and partnerships that define its legacy.

These enhancements will also bolster FCC’s award-winning Biotech Boot Camp, developed in collaboration with the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and leading biotechnology companies including Kite Pharma, AstraZeneca, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Precision for Medicine. The Biotech Boot Camp received a prestigious Silver Award for “Partnerships with Educational Institutions” from the International Economic Development Council at its 2022 annual conference.

“This grant is a testament to the college’s responsiveness to meeting workforce development needs in our community and region,” said Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek, President of FCC. She continued, “We are honored to be the only community college in the State to receive this investment in innovation and appreciate the efforts of our faculty and staff who contributed to our successful submission.”

Governor Moore and the Maryland Department of Commerce are credited with the total investment pool of $6.95M in this fund release. Molly Carlson, FCC’s Associate VP and Dean Continuing Education and Workforce Development noted that the Life Sciences industry is rapidly advancing, and Frederick County is emerging as a hub for groundbreaking research and cutting-edge biomanufacturing. Thanks to the FCC Foundation, student costs were even offset for high school students to participate in FCC's Biotechnology Summer Research Experience, developed by faculty member Dr. Savita Prabhakar as an immersive lab experiment and research project. The story begins with a grant, but its legacy will be written in opportunity.

FCC offers comprehensive biotechnology education pathways, including degrees, certificates, internships, apprenticeships, and high school research experiences. For more information contact Elisabeth Lean at [email protected] or online here.

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