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.”

“Maryland’s colleges play an essential role in strengthening our scientific workforce, and Hood College’s Biomedical Research and Training Center will help ensure students have the tools they need to learn and advance cutting-edge science. We worked to secure this direct federal investment to support students who are interested in studying biomedical sciences and pursuing careers in a field that is critical to the success of our economy and country,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“I was proud to join Senator Chris Van Hollen last week to celebrate funding for Hood College's new Biomedical Research & Education Center. This investment will give students hands-on experience, strengthen Maryland’s biomedical ecosystem, and help train the next generation of scientists and health professionals in Frederick County and beyond. The future of innovation starts here at Hood!” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

“Frederick is the fastest growing part of our state – and it is helping to lead our state in science and technology. I am so proud to have worked to secure $2.5 million for Hood College’s new Bioscience Research and Education Center. This critical bioscience research funding won’t just support students at Hood College, but it will advance the greater Western region, our state’s economy, and continue to ensure Maryland remains a global leader in research and science,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

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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