Hood College Awarded $2.5 Million in Federal Funding to Renovate Hodson Science Center Annex

Hood College has been awarded $2.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (earmark) funding through the FY26 minibus spending bill passed by Congress and signed into law in January. The funds will support the renovation of the Hodson Science and Technology Center Annex for use by the recently established Bioscience Research and Education Center (BREC), significantly expanding Hood’s capacity to prepare students for high-demand careers in biotechnology and the life sciences.

The renovation will create two state-of-the-art teaching laboratories equipped for instruction in biotechnologies, along with two new classrooms, a dedicated student project space, a lobby, offices and collaborative meeting areas. The upgraded facility will enhance hands-on learning opportunities and provide flexible spaces for instruction, research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This federal investment was secured with the advocacy of U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, who supported Hood College’s request for funding to modernize its bioscience infrastructure.

“Hood College is grateful for the support and stewardship we have received from Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks in helping us launch the Bioscience Research and Education Center,” said Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., president of Hood College. “These renovations will allow us to better serve both our students and the region by providing cutting-edge facilities for education and training in biotechnology, an area of rapidly growing demand in Frederick County and across Maryland.”

The Bioscience Research and Education Center plays a central role in Hood College’s academic and research mission, connecting students with experiential learning in laboratory science and preparing them for graduate study and careers in healthcare, biotechnology and related industries. The new labs and classrooms will enable expanded course offerings, modernized equipment and greater capacity for student-led research.

Additional details regarding construction timelines and public events related to the Annex renovation project and BREC will be announced as plans are finalized.

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