Thomas College wins $1 million grant to advance science education. That effort includes establishing a new chemistry lab on the Waterville campus.
The new chemistry lab will include a new experiment preparation area and student work and research space. The expanded space will allow the university to increase the number of students enrolled in lab-based courses each semester and the number of students graduating with degrees that meet the needs of Maine's workforce. said.
This grant will also focus on increasing the number of individuals, including low-income students, who obtain post-secondary work eligibility.
A Thomas College spokesperson told MainBiz that the construction and equipment of the new lab and reconfiguration of the adjacent space will cost $1.1 million. Detailed planning with faculty to finalize the design will begin in January, and the lab is expected to open in September, she said. All renovation work is designed and constructed in-house.
Rendering/Courtesy of Thomas University
A planned chemistry lab at Thomas College will include a new prep area and student work and research space.
This grant was awarded to “Chemistry Connects” through the Maine Department of Education.
“These new lab spaces will benefit students in areas such as criminal justice, environmental science, and education, among others,” said Chancellor Thomas Edwards. “We are invested in providing our students and the state of Maine with the science and technology skills they need.”
Thomas College is a private, career-focused college founded in 1864. We offer programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education.
Among Maine's largest colleges and universities, Thomas College ranks No. 17 on the 2024 MaineBiz Book of Lists, based on fall 2023 full-time undergraduate enrollment of 688 students.
Editor's note: Renee Cordes contributed to this article.
