Life Sciences Bridge Program – Cohort #2
Paid Job Readiness Training for Young Adults Ages 18–24 in Greater Hazelwood and University of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Commitment Communities
Priority is given to Greater Hazelwood residents, with additional opportunities available to eligible participants from other University of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Commitment communities, including Homewood, the Hill District, and Oakland.
Build Skills. Explore Careers. Get Paid While You Learn.
The Life Sciences Bridge Program is a paid, 50-hour workforce development program designed to introduce young adults to career opportunities in Pittsburgh’s growing life sciences industry.
Participants will develop job readiness skills, explore life sciences career pathways, gain hands-on exposure to workplace environments, and connect with professionals and resources that can help them take the next step toward employment and career growth.
Participants earn $22 per hour while completing the program.
Cohort #2 Program Schedule
Details on the exact schedule and meeting times will be shared during the onboarding process.
| Orientation | August 26, 2026 |
| First Day of Class | September 2, 2026 |
| Program Runs Through | October 21, 2026 |
| Program Length | 50 Hours |
| Location | Greater Hazelwood and University of Pittsburgh partner locations |
| Cost | Free to participants |
| Compensation | $22/hour |
Space is limited. Apply today.
Why Life Sciences?
Pittsburgh’s life sciences sector continues to grow, creating new opportunities for individuals seeking meaningful careers. Through major investments in research, biotechnology, healthcare innovation, and workforce development, the region is becoming a hub for life sciences careers.
The Life Sciences Bridge Program helps connect local talent to these emerging opportunities by providing foundational skills, career exposure, and guidance from experienced partners.
Community Impact
The Life Sciences Bridge Program is part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood Commitments initiative, helping expand access to workforce development opportunities for young adults across Greater Hazelwood, Homewood, the Hill District, and Oakland. By bringing together community organizations, educators, and industry partners, the program helps residents prepare for careers in one of the region’s fastest-growing industries while strengthening Pittsburgh’s neighborhood workforce.
Program Overview
The Life Sciences Bridge Program is a 50-hour paid training experience designed to help young adults explore opportunities in the life sciences industry. Participants learn essential job-readiness skills, gain exposure to real-world lab environments, and build confidence to pursue careers in one of Pittsburgh’s fastest-growing sectors.
Supported by the University of Pittsburgh and community partners, the program creates pathways into Pittsburgh’s growing life sciences industry for young adults living in Greater Hazelwood and other University of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Commitment communities.
Participants earn $22/hour for completing the program.
Who Should Apply
The Life Sciences Bridge Program is designed for:
The Life Sciences Bridge Program is part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood Commitments initiative, which supports workforce development and educational opportunities across Greater Hazelwood, Homewood, the Hill District, and Oakland.
What You’ll Learn
Participants receive hands-on exposure to the life sciences field and practical guidance they can use immediately.
Core Training Areas Include:
Program Partners
As the program’s anchor community partner, the University of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Commitments initiative connects residents across Greater Hazelwood, Homewood, the Hill District, and Oakland with educational, workforce development, and economic opportunity programs designed to strengthen local communities.
| University of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Commitments | Greater Hazelwood |
| Davis Consulting Solutions (DCS) | Provides workforce development expertise, job readiness training, and participant support throughout the program. |
| Catapult Greater Pittsburgh | Offers supportive services and resources that help participants overcome barriers to employment and training. |
| Equity Systems Consulting (ESC) | Provides career navigation and guidance to help participants explore life sciences pathways and future opportunities. |
| The Heinz Endowments | Supports community-based initiatives that create equitable opportunities for residents and strengthen local workforce development efforts. |
HOW TO APPLY
1
Complete the application form.
2
Confirm your eligibility and availability for the program schedule.
3
Attend Orientation on August 26, 2026.
4
Begin classes on September 2, 2026.
5
Complete the program and continue exploring career opportunities in the life sciences sector.
**Space is limited. Apply today to reserve your opportunity to participate in Cohort #2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Participants earn $22 per hour while completing the 50-hour program.
No. The program is designed for individuals with little or no previous experience in life sciences.
No. A college degree is not required.
Orientation is scheduled for August 26, 2026. Classes begin September 2, 2026, and continue through October 21, 2026.
Priority consideration is given to residents of Greater Hazelwood. The program also welcomes eligible applicants from other University of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Commitment communities, including Homewood, the Hill District, and Oakland.
Space is limited and cohorts are intentionally kept small to provide personalized support and engagement.
Yes. Through our partnership with Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, eligible participants may have access to supportive services designed to reduce barriers to participation. Depending on individual needs, assistance may include transportation, childcare, housing stability, food insecurity, and other support services. Our team will work with you to determine what resources may be available.
Join the Interest List Today
Space is limited and applications fill quickly. Be the first to know when enrollment opens.
