BEAM Circular Opens Grant Applications to Advance Bioeconomy Job Training in Stanislaus County
For Immediate Release:
June 9, 2025
BEAM Circular Opens Grant Applications to Advance
Bioeconomy Job Training in Stanislaus County
Photo by BEAM Circular: Modesto Junior College students participating in bioeconomy research internship program funded by BEAM Circular
Modesto, CA (June 9, 2025) – BEAM Circular, a leading regional nonprofit organization driving the growth of California’s circular bioeconomy, has opened applications for $2.3 million in grant funding to expand education programs and build specialized training facilities in Stanislaus County that prepare students and workers for jobs in growing bio-based industries.
Grant proposals will be accepted in three rounds in 2025, beginning with a first round deadline of June 30th. Local education institutions, school districts, and nonprofit workforce training providers are eligible to apply for grant awards ranging from $5,000 - $500,000.
This funding is part of a broader $10 million investment by Stanislaus County into BEAM Circular’s efforts to grow bio-based manufacturing in the region, supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act with the goal of spurring regional economic development and creating quality job opportunities for the local community. The workforce development grants deployed by BEAM Circular will be used to accelerate career readiness and job creation in the emerging bioeconomy sector in order to increase economic mobility. The allocation includes $800,000 for new workforce development programming and $1.5 million to build out equipment and infrastructure for bioeconomy-focused training.
“These new grant opportunities will allow local education and training partners to ensure our students and workers have access to the skills, tools, and hands-on learning opportunities they need to succeed in the jobs of the future,” said Gloriamar Gamez, Chief Program Officer at BEAM Circular. “We are honored to partner with Stanislaus County to invest in the future leaders of the circular bioeconomy, right here in our own community.”
Funding is available through two new competitive grant programs administered by BEAM Circular:
Stanislaus Bioeconomy Workforce Development Fund ($800K): This fund will support educational institutions, workforce training providers, and nonprofits to launch new industry-aligned programs—including career pathways, paid internships, faculty development, and fast-track credentialing—that expand access to good jobs, especially for economically distressed communities. Applicants may apply for $5,000 - $100,000 in funding. Click here to access Request for Proposals.
Stanislaus Wet Lab and Training Facilities Fund ($1.5M): Designed to ensure hands-on access to cutting-edge tools and spaces, this fund enables local institutions to invest in bioeconomy workforce development infrastructure, including wet labs (scientific laboratory environments that support biology and chemistry activities), training equipment, and shared innovation spaces that support job training and economic development in local communities. Applicants may apply for $10,000 - $500,000 in funding. Click here to access Request for Proposals.
For more information on these programs and other resources available through BEAM Circular, visit www.beamcircular.org/programs.
About BEAM Circular:
BEAM Circular is a nonprofit organization that serves as a hub for circular bioeconomy innovation, workforce development, and industry growth in California’s agricultural heartland. BEAM Circular works with over 100 partners across the North San Joaquin Valley and beyond to develop bio-based solutions that transform waste into valuable products while creating local economic opportunities and addressing environmental challenges.
Federal funding acknowledgment: This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP2096 awarded to County of Stanislaus by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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Media Contact:
Adrenna Alkhas
adrenna@beamcircular.org
209-484-2683
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