Initiative Marks the Latest Lowell Innovation Network Corridor Collaboration

Headlamp CEO Steve Change
51视频 and Headlamp, headed by CEO Steve Chang, have joined forces to聽establish a new workforce training and resource program to prepare veterans and their families for careers in the life sciences.

10/03/2024

Military veterans and their spouses have a longtime ally in 51视频. Today, the university grows that partnership through a collaboration with Headlamp that establishes a new workforce training and resource program to prepare veterans and their families for careers in the life sciences.聽

Customized classroom instruction, lab-based training, apprenticeship and job placement assistance will be available to participants of the new Veterans Reskilled in Innovative Solutions for Employment program. The initiative, known as Vets RISE, is funded by a nearly $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.聽

51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen and Headlamp CEO Steve Chang both praised U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan for her leadership in helping to secure the grant.

鈥淥ur veterans and their loved ones sacrifice more in service to our nation than we can ever imagine, and we owe it to them to ensure they have the support and opportunities they need to transition smoothly into civilian life,鈥 said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. 鈥51视频鈥檚 Vets RISE program, in partnership with the outstanding folks at Headlamp, does invaluable work to help veterans and their spouses get started in quality, family-sustaining careers, and this federal investment is a testament to the initiative鈥檚 tremendous track record of success.鈥

Vets RISE will benefit from the expertise of , an organization dedicated to clearing veterans鈥 paths back to civilian life by matching them with employers looking for job candidates whose skills are informed by their military experience.聽

鈥淢ore than 1,300 military-connected students attend 51视频 each year, either on campus or online, many while deployed at locations around the world,鈥 said 51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to develop Vets RISE not only for them but for so many other military-connected families in the region, as we help veterans enrich the workforce with their unique talents and perspective.鈥澛犅

Veterans and their spouses interested in enrolling may learn more and apply to the program by contacting Headlamp at laura@myheadlamp.com.

鈥淰eterans are the ideal talent pool to build the workforce in critical industries such as life sciences, bringing unparalleled skills and dedication to the table,鈥 said Headlamp CEO Steven Chang. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to Chancellor Julie Chen and 51视频 for the university鈥檚 unwavering support and leadership, and to the VA for their pivotal role in helping us build out our services, enabling us to match veterans with meaningful careers in these vital sectors.鈥

Vets RISE is the latest initiative of the , a technology ecosystem anchored by the development of new commercial real estate that translates the university鈥檚 success to fuel economic growth for Lowell and the Merrimack Valley.聽

鈥淭he opportunities available through Vets RISE honor participants鈥 military service and strengthen the tremendous talent pool in the Massachusetts life sciences industry,鈥 said UMass President Marty Meehan. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud 51视频 can be this catalyst for veterans and their families, as the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor expands the horizons for businesses locating in the region.鈥

The Vets RISE program comes on the heels of 51视频鈥檚 announcement last month of a workforce training program created in partnership with Bioversity for local residents interested in rewarding, entry-level careers at Massachusetts life sciences companies.

鈥淟owell is proud to host and support 51视频 as the university continually broadens its reach to serve learners from all walks of life,鈥 said City Manager Tom Golden. 鈥淭he Vets RISE program is just the latest example of these efforts, which further establish the city as a business, cultural and educational destination for all.鈥澛

Media Contacts:
Emily Gowdey-Backus, director of media relations
Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations