Hood College Receives $500,000 Grant from Kahlert Foundation to Advance Science Center Renovation

Hood College is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Kahlert Foundation to support Phase Two of the renovation of the Hodson Science and Technology Center. This significant investment will help modernize science facilities, strengthen biotechnology education, and enhance the College’s capacity to serve students and industry partners.

To streamline costs and accelerate progress, the Hodson Science and Technology Center renovation has been divided into two consecutive projects. The first project focuses on renovating the building’s third floor to ensure usable academic space while the remainder of the facility undergoes updates. Design for this phase began in August 2024, with construction beginning in fall 2025.

“We are proud to support Hood College’s efforts to modernize its science facilities and expand biotechnology education,” said Ellen Finnerty Myers, vice president and executive director of the Kahlert Foundation. “Investments like this help ensure students have access to the tools, spaces and experiences needed to succeed in today’s complex workforce.”

Phase Two, supported by the Kahlert Foundation’s award, will retain and repurpose the Hodson annex rather than demolish the historic structure. This approach preserves the building’s character while delivering a modernized, functional facility.

The redesigned space will include two floors of dedicated program areas, renovated mechanical space, a repaired and weatherproofed exterior envelope, and updated mechanical and electrical systems. Additional enhancements will include ADA improvements and strengthened connectivity to the main Hodson science complex.

A key feature of Phase Two is further development of the new Bioscience Research and Education Center (BREC). These renovated spaces will feature laboratories, two classrooms, a student project area, a welcome lobby, faculty offices, meeting rooms and maker spaces. This purpose-built environment will highlight Hood’s commitment to biotechnology education and provide students with cutting-edge facilities that prepare them to enter and excel in the rapidly growing biotech sector.

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