Gloucester Community Embraces Biotechnology Initiative

We are excited to see that our Gloucester Biotechnology Academy project, designed by PAYETTE’s George Marsh, is being recognized as an impactful initiative for the community of Gloucester. The new cutting-edge vocationally training academy at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute was showcased in the Boston Globe as a project that can help reinvent the nation’s oldest seaport.

The innovative project gives recent high school graduates the opportunity to participate in a six-month marine-themed curriculum followed by a paid internship at a local biotechnology company. Currently, 14 student are enrolled for the inaugural session this September which will be free of change for the first year.  

Because of his belief and importance of the initiative, George Marsh, Jr. who lives nearby in Essex, designed the 3,200 SF academy free of charge. 

George Marsh at the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy ribbon-cutting ceremony

As stated in the Boston Globe article, the program will get young people interested in biotech and helps them see life beyond fishing and is key to making the initiative work in the city.

“The community is pushing for change,” said Ken Riehl of the Cape Ann Chamber. “Not only do we want to encourage people to come here, but our young people to come back and live and work in the Cape Ann community.”

We are excited that this important project is getting exposure and that our newly constructed classrooms and research lab will be getting used this September!

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Gloucester Biotechnology Academy to offer free vocational training
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Breaks Ground