BEAM Circular Awards Over $970K in Grants to Advance Education and Workforce Development in Stanislaus County
Image Credit: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Stanislaus County, CA (August 29, 2025) — BEAM Circular, supported by an investment from Stanislaus County of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, as awarded more than $970,000 in competitive grants to three projects that will expand educational opportunities, advance workforce training, and build pathways into the growing circular bioeconomy.
The Stanislaus Wet Lab & Training Facilities Fund and the Stanislaus Bioeconomy Workforce Development Fund, both managed by BEAM Circular, represent a unique, one-time investment in the region’s education and workforce ecosystem. These grants will fuel innovation at local education and training institutions, supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians while strengthening the county’s competitiveness in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable industries.
“We congratulate Modesto Junior College, CSU Stanislaus, and VOLT Institute on their vision and commitment to building opportunities for our region,” said Gloriamar Gamez, Chief Program Officer at BEAM Circular. “These programs will not only strengthen education and workforce pathways, but also create lasting benefits for families and communities across Stanislaus County.”
The three awarded projects include:
MJC-MESA Circular Bioeconomy Research Internship (Modesto Junior College – $37,757.50)
Led by the MJC Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program, this initiative will expand paid student research internships for first-generation, low-income STEM students. Participants will conduct research, prepare policy-relevant impact briefs, and present at a public science colloquium. By 2026, the program will directly benefit more than 100 students, faculty, and community members, and indirectly impact over 1,600 individuals through classroom integration and peer influence.
“We are so excited to begin work on our second iteration of this program. After the first pilot funded by the State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) through the CA Jobs First Program, BEAM Circular’s Bioeconomy Early Career Exposure Grants proved to not only be an invaluable experience for the students involved, but a professional growth opportunity for the professors as well. This has meant that circular bioeconomy concepts have been brought into classrooms across our campus,” said Elana Peach-Fine, Modesto Junior College Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) Program Director. “We are excited to build and grow on what we learned last year to have an even greater impact.”
Centre for Sustainable Biotechnology (CSB) (California State University, Stanislaus – $435,255)
CSU Stanislaus will establish a state-of-the-art Centre for Sustainable Biotechnology, including a renovated lab with advanced bioreactors, sequencing tools, and plant growth chambers. The center will serve as both a research hub and workforce pipeline. Providing hands-on training, this space will support a new Certificate in Biotechnology and summer experiential learning opportunities. Over five years, the project is expected to reach more than 4,000 students, educators, and community members, significantly expanding regional innovation capacity."The Centre for Sustainable Biotechnology at CSU Stanislaus will drive innovation, workforce training, and industry partnerships in Stanislaus County preparing students for high-demand biotechnology careers and advancing the region’s economic future through sustainable approaches. By fostering biotechnology in Stanislaus County, we are creating not only a stronger local economy, but also a vital platform of innovation whose influence will reach far beyond our borders, delivering solutions to global challenges in agriculture, sustainability, and biomanufacturing," said Dr. Alok Arun, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences in CSU Stanislaus.
Bioeconomy Smart Technologies Education Pathways (BioSTEP) (VOLT Institute – $499,299.97)
VOLT Institute, part of Opportunity Stanislaus, will launch the Bioeconomy Smart Technologies Education Pathways (BioSTEP) program, which will prepare 4,200+ Stanislaus County residents—particularly from underserved communities—for high-wage careers in advanced manufacturing, with emphasis on food processing, biomanufacturing, packaging, and sustainable waste management.
"Opportunity Stanislaus is honored to be a partner with BEAM Circular in providing training for the bio manufacturing industry through VOLT Institute. We see this as an important program to help our local population acquire the skills necessary to land good paying jobs in this growing industry," said Dave White, CEO, Opportunity Stanislaus.
The program follows VOLT’s Explore–Equip–Advance framework, providing career exposure, foundational training, and advanced skills in automation, controls, instrumentation, and bioprocessing. By leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, eliminating participation barriers, and awarding stackable SACA credentials, BioSTEP will strengthen the regional workforce and competitiveness.
"VOLT Institute is deeply grateful for the catalytic grant award from BEAM Circular to support our Bioeconomy Smart Technologies Education Pathways (BioSTEP) programming. BEAM Circular’s award will enable VOLT Institute to acquire best-in-class training equipment in instrumentation, controls, steam systems, and other critical skill areas aligned with industry needs and career pathways in industrial biomanufacturing, food and beverage, and other local industries,” said Eric Neuenfeldt, Executive Director, VOLT Institute. “Most importantly, this funding will remove barriers and create opportunities for Stanislaus County residents to explore career pathways in the bioeconomy, equip job seekers with skills that lead to good jobs, and support career advancement for industry professionals. VOLT Institute is excited to contribute to BEAM Circular’s ongoing advancement of the bioeconomy in Stanislaus County."
Federal funding acknowledgment: This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP2096 awarded to the County of Stanislaus by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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.
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