Van Hollen, McClain Delaney Visit Hood College, Highlight $2.5 Million in Federal Funding Secured to Bolster Biotech Research & Job Training Program

Last Monday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (both D-Md.) visited Hood College to highlight $2.5 million in fiscal year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending they, along with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), fought to deliver for the college's Biomedical Research and Training Center. The funds will support the build-out of two labs with equipment for teaching high-demand biotechnologies, as well as two new classrooms and additional student spaces, offices, and meeting spaces. The training center, which is part of the Maryland Tech Council's BioHub Initiative, will help students and workers seeking to study and train in biotechnology and research fields.

"Maryland's colleges play an essential role in strengthening our scientific workforce, and Hood College's Biomedical Research and Training Center will help ensure students have the tools they need to learn and advance cutting-edge science. We worked to secure this direct federal investment to support students who are interested in studying biomedical sciences and pursuing careers in a field that is critical to the success of our economy and country," said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"I was proud to join Senator Chris Van Hollen last week to celebrate funding for Hood College's new Biomedical Research & Education Center. This investment will give students hands-on experience, strengthen Maryland's biomedical ecosystem, and help train the next generation of scientists and health professionals in Frederick County and beyond. The future of innovation starts here at Hood!" said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

"Frederick is the fastest growing part of our state - and it is helping to lead our state in science and technology. I am so proud to have worked to secure $2.5 million for Hood College's new Bioscience Research and Education Center. This critical bioscience research funding won't just support students at Hood College, but it will advance the greater Western region, our state's economy, and continue to ensure Maryland remains a global leader in research and science," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"Hood College is grateful for the support and stewardship we have received from Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks in helping us launch the Bioscience Research and Education Center," said Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., president of Hood College. "These renovations will allow us to better serve both our students and the region by providing cutting-edge facilities for education and training in biotechnology, an area of rapidly growing demand in Frederick County and across Maryland."

"Training the next generation of life sciences professionals is critical to growing Maryland's innovation economy. This funding for Hood College's Biomedical Research and Training Center directly advances our BioHub Maryland initiative by providing the modern labs and classrooms needed to train our future workforce. By partnering with Hood College to equip trainees with specialized biopharma manufacturing skills, we are preparing them for high-paying life sciences careers while meeting the workforce needs of our life sciences industry. We are deeply grateful to Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman McClain Delaney for being true champions of a strong and diverse life sciences workforce," said Kelly Schulz, Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Tech Council.

The lawmakers secured this investment within the government funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2026. The center will serve Hood College students, students from other regional schools, mid-career employees from area companies, and middle and high school teachers. Programming will include regular college courses, internships, workshops, and apprenticeships, and will focus on equipping participants with the skills necessary to meet the region's immediate workforce needs.