With support from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding provided by Stanislaus County, BEAM Circular launched two competitive grant programs on June 9, 2025 to strengthen education and workforce training providers and accelerate the region’s growing bio-based manufacturing sector: The Stanislaus Bioeconomy Workforce Development Fund and Stanislaus Wet Lab & Training Facilities Fund.
BEAM Circular announced a first round of awards last August, totaling $970,000 in grant funding for bioeconomy workforce development projects led by Modesto Junior College, CSU Stanislaus, and VOLT Institute.
Now, a second round of grants have been awarded to local education and training organizations, totaling $1.064 million in grant funding. A total of 12 projects were selected for funding by an independent review panel, with funds being used to launch efforts ranging from professional development for local teachers, to early childhood exposure to engineering concepts, to equipment purchases for science classrooms.
“This funding allows us to strategically align education, workforce training, and industry needs across Stanislaus County,” said Gloriamar Gamez, Chief Program Officer of BEAM Circular. “By investing in educators, modern learning environments, and hands-on, career-connected experiences, we’re expanding access to opportunity while building a workforce that can support innovation, attract investment, and drive long-term economic growth. Our goal is to ensure students and workers—regardless of age or background—can see themselves in the future of a more sustainable and resilient bioeconomy.”
Funded projects this round through the Stanislaus Wet Lab & Training Facilities Fund include Modesto Junior College’s Advancing Biotechnology and Bioengineering Training in the Valley.
Through the Stanislaus Bioeconomy Workforce Development Fund, among the projects funded include CSU Stanislaus and Modesto Junior College – Strengthening Pathways to Biotechnology Careers; along with Exploring Bioeconomy Curriculum Pathways for the Central Valley and Bioeconomy Educator Training Initiative at MJC. Stanislaus County Office of Education received funding for Child and Family Services Division Bioeconomy Program and Career Inspiration Center Bioeconomy Hands-On Experience.
Together, officials said, these investments represent a coordinated, countywide effort to build a strong, inclusive bioeconomy workforce pipeline—supporting students from early learning through postsecondary education and into high-demand careers.
