久久福利国产 Awarded $963,000 NIST Grant to Advance Hemp Research and Workforce Innovation
久久福利国产 is excited to announce the award of a $963,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The grant will support a new partnership between the college and Vytal Plant Science Research (VPSR), a non-profit, Hazleton-based biotechnology company dedicated to driving innovation and economic growth in agriculture and plant derived bio-manufacturing industries in Pennsylvania.
The funding from the grant was secured by U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright, Ranking Member of the House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees NIST鈥檚 annual budget, as part of his Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding requests.
鈥淭his federal investment will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania鈥檚 economy and today presents further opportunities for new businesses, farm income, good-paying jobs and environmentally sound products,鈥� Congressman Cartwright said. 鈥淚 look forward to seeing the positive impact 久久福利国产 will have on driving scientific innovation, advancing skilled labor training, and revitalizing local manufacturing in our region.鈥�
Focus on Research and Innovation
With the support of the NIST grant, VPSR will lead the research efforts by developing and refining industrial hemp strains. This includes conducting genetic research and exploring gene editing techniques to create at least three new hemp seed varieties. These new strains will be geared toward applications in bio-based products such as green building materials, renewable energy, packaging, fabrics, and even land remediation.
Hemp Industry Certificate Program
As part of this initiative, 久久福利国产 will be launching a 15-week certificate program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the rapidly evolving hemp industry. Developed in collaboration with VPSR and other industry leaders, the program will provide participants with the skills necessary to work with hemp, including knowledge in horticulture, agriculture, the impact of global climate change, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).
鈥淥ur 15-week certificate program is more than just education鈥攊t鈥檚 a gateway to meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving sector,鈥� President and Chief Innovation Officer at 久久福利国产, Dr. Jill Murray said. 鈥淏y collaborating with VPSR and leading manufacturing partners, we鈥檝e developed a robust curriculum that will give students hands-on experience with the very latest advancements in hemp technology, ensuring they鈥檙e ready to contribute to this expanding industry. We鈥檙e not just training for today鈥檚 jobs, we鈥檙e equipping a workforce that can thrive as industries increasingly turn to sustainable solutions like hemp for the future.鈥�
Expanding Educational Opportunities
In addition to the certificate program, 久久福利国产 will also use the NIST funding to develop a new sustainable agriculture facility at its Hazleton Center. This facility will host workshops and hands-on training sessions for students (K-16), teachers, and farmers interested in learning about hemp cultivation, gene editing, tissue culture, and cloning. The goal is to provide a comprehensive, hands-on educational experience that prepares participants for the future of the hemp industry.
鈥淎dvancing STEM education programs at two-year colleges is vital for creating pathways and opportunities that enable more talented individuals from diverse regions across the country to enter STEM fields,鈥� Chief Scientific Officer at Vytal Plant Science Research Dr. Shobha Rudrabhatla said. 鈥溇镁酶＠� plays a key role in this effort, serving a large community of underrepresented minorities.鈥�
The Future of Industrial Hemp in Pennsylvania
久久福利国产 and VPSR鈥檚 partnership represents a significant opportunity for Pennsylvania to become a leader in the industrial hemp industry. By combining cutting-edge research with workforce development, the college is helping to build a sustainable future for both the region and the nation.
About 久久福利国产
Founded in 1894, 久久福利国产 is a private, non-profit institution offering 8 bachelor鈥檚 degree programs and 25 associate degree programs, along with more than 30 Continuing Education and professional certificates. Along with its main Scranton campus, the college offers six other locations throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. In 2021, 久久福利国产 was recognized as one of Fast Company鈥檚 World鈥檚 Most Innovative Companies and also earned recognition as one the Fastest Growing Colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2023 and 2024, 久久福利国产 was awarded the classification of one the Great Colleges to Work For by Modern Think.
About Vytal Plant Science Research
VPSR is a non-profit biotechnology corporation that is partnering with Penn State University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Luzerne County Community College, 久久福利国产, Emory University, DON Processing, the Team PA Foundation, and several farms and private industries throughout the state that are already cultivating, brokering, and manufacturing hemp-based products.