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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – May 6, 2026 – The Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH), the state organization dedicated to building a competitive life sciences ecosystem, today announced it has partnered with The Pawtucket Foundation to support the launch of its Life Sciences Career Awareness Program, an initiative designed to expand access to life sciences careers for Rhode Islanders historically underrepresented in the sector.
The program, which will officially launch this fall, will initially focus on Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket, connecting high school students, adult learners, and workers seeking new career opportunities in the life sciences to education, training, and employment opportunities. The initiative is designed as a scalable model that could expand statewide.
“This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that Rhode Island’s life sciences growth translates into real opportunity for Rhode Islanders,” said Lilia Holt, RILSH’s Interim President. “Building a strong innovation economy requires not only supporting companies and advancing research, but also investing in people. Our goal is to ensure more Rhode Islanders can access the training, networks, and career pathways needed to participate in this growing sector.”
The Pawtucket Foundation’s program combines community outreach, career education, and employer engagement to build awareness about life sciences careers and create clear pathways into the workforce. The initial program is expected to reach 60 to 90 participants.
The initiative includes three core components:
- Neighborhood Awareness and Digital Resources: A coordinated outreach campaign and digital tools to increase awareness of life sciences careers and available training opportunities.
- Career Awareness and Education Programming: Workshops, classroom resources, and partnerships with educators to help students and job seekers understand in-demand roles and the skills required to enter the sector.
- Community Connections and Industry Exposure: Focus groups, mentorship opportunities, and industry engagement activities designed to connect participants with employers and professional networks.
Together, these efforts aim to strengthen Rhode Island’s talent pipeline while supporting inclusive economic growth.
“The Pawtucket Foundation is proud to partner with the Rhode Island Life Science Hub to ensure that residents in our communities are aware of and prepared for opportunities in this fast-growing sector,” said Gaetan Kashala, Executive Director of The Pawtucket Foundation. “By preparing residents, strengthening connections to employers, and expanding access to training, we are helping ensure that the growth of Rhode Island’s life sciences ecosystem benefits communities across our state.”
“This initiative is exactly the kind of strategic long-term investment we need to build a workforce pipeline that benefits all Rhode Islanders and our growing life sciences ecosystem,” said Glenn Robertelli, Executive Director of RI Bio. “At RI Bio, we are committed to partnering with programs like this because a homegrown workforce is essential to sustaining Rhode Island’s competitive edge and delivering opportunity for all Rhode Islanders.”
The Pawtucket Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on economic and community development and has played a convening role among businesses, educators, and community organizations to support workforce development and innovation initiatives. RILSH’s support for this program reflects its broader strategy to strengthen Rhode Island’s life sciences workforce pipeline through partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and industry.
“Many people don’t realize how many different career paths exist in the life sciences, or see themselves reflected in the industry,” said Gretchen Cook-Anderson, Program Manager, Life Sciences Career Awareness Program. “Programs like this help connect communities to employers and show Rhode Islanders they can be part of the state’s growing innovation economy.”
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