PASADENA, Texas – The San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology has partnered with CellReady, a privately held cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization, to launch an innovative, fast-track training curriculum for new hires in biomanufacturing. This four-week program is designed to significantly shorten onboarding time for manufacturing associates, providing them with concentrated and rigorous hands-on training to jumpstart their readiness to work in advanced cell therapy manufacturing.  Over the course of the program, trainees undergo 160 hours of both theoretical and practical, hands-on learning that cover the fundamentals of biomanufacturing through the operation of advanced workflows. The curriculum prepares new hires for the production of cell therapies, a cutting-edge cancer treatment, using the G-Rex cell production platform. The training, which took place at CellReady’s manufacturing site in Houston, was delivered by San Jacinto College Biotechnology faculty members, in collaboration with CellReady’s training team. “To our knowledge, this is the first collaboration of its kind between a community college and a cell therapy manufacturer to develop an intensive onboarding curriculum tailored specifically for cell therapy manufacturing technicians,” said Dr. Chris Wild, San Jacinto College assistant vice chancellor of biotechnology. “Together with CellReady, we’ve created a path to rapidly train professionals with advanced, hands-on techniques, using the G-Rex cell production platform, which is widely used in the industry today.”  This joint initiative provides clear benefits to all stakeholders. For San Jacinto College, it underscores the institution’s commitment to meeting industry needs with innovative, real-world training.  CellReady gains a streamlined, effective approach to onboarding that enables new technicians to make an immediate impact post-training. At the conclusion of the program, trainees are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to manufacture cell therapies. Dr. Ignacio Nunez, CellReady’s chief operating officer, was impressed with the training provided and the speed that employees were able to grasp the critical components of the manufacturing process, stating “Thanks to the training program developed and delivered by San Jacinto College and CellReady, we were able to provide our new hires with the essential knowledge and skills to work in a GMP environment. In collaboration with San Jacinto College, we have debottlenecked operator qualification and made great strides toward our mission of bringing more of these life-saving therapies to patients one G-Rex at a time.” “This program not only equips new team members with qualifiable skills to contribute immediately upon completion of the training program, but it also sets a new standard for how training can be delivered in a highly regulated field,” said Dr. Nicole Bradley, program director for the Center for Biotechnology. The program’s success has inspired plans for additional training sessions to onboard future manufacturing professionals at CellReady, further strengthening the relationship between San Jacinto College and CellReady. The training curriculum for cell therapy developed in collaboration with this industry leader will be available as a program offering through the San Jacinto Center for Biotechnology. About CellReady CellReady is the world's first and only G-Rex centric contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in G-Rex based cell and gene-modified cell therapy development and manufacturing. The company offers a wide range of services to support the development and commercialization of these therapies. CellReady's mission is to create hope for cancer patients, one G-Rex® process at a time. About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, serving approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.

HOUSTON (Dec. 16, 2024) — The Greater Houston Partnership has announced Rafael “Rafa” Alvarez as the organization’s new Senior Vice President of Regional Workforce Development, leading the nationally acclaimed UpSkill Houston initiative. Alvarez, a Forbes-recognized social entrepreneur and founder of Genesys Works, brings a proven track record in workforce development and a deep commitment to creating opportunities that bridge skills training and industry. “Throughout my career, I have been inspired by how the right career opportunities can transform lives and change trajectories. With UpSkill Houston’s strong foundation and opportunity to leverage critical advancements like Texas House Bill 8, we are at a pivotal moment to connect workforce and education at scale,” Alvarez said. “By bridging the gap between available jobs and untapped talent, we can ensure Houston's businesses and residents thrive together for generations to come.” Launched in 2014, UpSkill Houston has set a national benchmark by aligning workforce training with industry needs, linking employers, educators and over 200,000 students and workers. Alvarez is positioned to lead its next chapter by leveraging his extensive expertise.  As the founder of Genesys Works, Alvarez transformed the lives of thousands of students from underserved communities by creating pathways to career success through internships and corporate training. Under his leadership, the nonprofit expanded to seven cities, employed over 1,000 people, and helped people realize their potential in the workforce. "Rafa’s dedication to workforce development for many years well-positions him as the ideal leader to drive UpSkill Houston’s next chapter,” Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “His tenacity for creating opportunities for individuals and businesses alike will be pivotal to scale the work of UpSkill Houston and create opportunity for Houstonians.” After leaving Genesys Works in 2019, Alvarez joined the founding leadership team of Moderno Porcelain Works, where he led the People and Training function. He was instrumental in hiring and training the first 300 employees, helping the company expand to 14 cities in just three years. Alvarez’s earlier career includes 11 years at Compaq Computer Corporation as a corporate strategist, project manager and design engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Houston. Alvarez has called Houston home for over 30 years.  Outgoing Leader Peter Beard to Join U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Alvarez joins the Partnership following the announcement that Peter Beard, who has led UpSkill Houston since 2014, will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation early next year. Beard was instrumental in shaping UpSkill Houston into a national collaborative model that engaged over 150 employers and more than 70 educational and workforce organizations. Based in Washington, D.C., Beard will focus on scaling similar efforts nationwide, building a resilient and adaptable workforce to meet the country’s evolving needs. "Peter’s exceptional ability to unite industry, education, and community stakeholders has driven meaningful progress in workforce development,” Kean said. “His new role at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reflects the significant impact of his work here in Houston and the value it brings on a national level." ### MEDIA CONTACT:           Brina Morales               Communications Director bmorales@houston.org