DeSoto ISD creates pharmaceutical program

 DeSoto—DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) is announced a partnership with Dallas College and Panthera BioSolutions to offer the Pharmaceutical cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) Fundamentals Course at DeSoto High School. 

DeSoto High School is hosting an innovative workforce development program aimed at providing students with industry-led, hands-on training in the pharmaceutical/biotech sector. The program is the result of a workforce development grant from the DeSoto Development Corporation (DDC) and is designed to help build the talent pipeline for North Texas' growing pharmaceutical industry.

The DeSoto High School chemistry lab will be transformed into a hands-on training space, equipped with pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and consumables to simulate a cGMP environment. Through this comprehensive four-week course, students will gain exposure to the following areas: introduction to the pharmaceutical industry and N Texas life sciences ecosystem, cGMP and cGDP principles, facility design and maintenance, validation principles and manufacturing operations. As part of the course, the students will also have the opportunity to visit Panthera’s cGMP facility in Fort Worth. 

The first cohort of six students will begin their training in April 2025, gaining invaluable experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing through real-world, hands-on learning. This course provides students with early exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and helps prepare them for future careers in a sector that is a critical part of the local economy.

"We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to our students, which aligns with DeSoto ISD’s commitment to expanding career and technical education pathways," said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD superintendent of Schools. "This program, alongside our other career initiatives like esports and P-TECH, ensures that our scholars have access to meaningful, high-demand career pathways that lead to economic mobility. Industry partnerships are key to widening access to opportunities and bridging the achievement gap."

The  program is led by Hardik Patel and Jason Mastoris, co-founders of Panthera BioSolutions, who bring deep expertise from the pharmaceutical industry. Panthera BioSolutions has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community impact, quality training, and pharmaceutical excellence. Under their guidance, students will gain an understanding of fundamental pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and compliance standards.

“At Panthera BioSolutions, we believe in the power of hands-on training to prepare students for the workforce. We’re proud to partner with the DeSoto ISD, DeSoto DDC and Dallas College on this important initiative,” said Jason Mastoris, co-founder of Panthera BioSolutions.  "By bringing this valuable training into the school setting, we’re expanding access and giving students earlier exposure to one of the most rapidly growing industries in our region."

In partnership with Dallas College, the program will also provide students with dual-enrollment opportunities, enabling them to earn college credit while completing the course. Christopher Edwards and Dr. Micaela Herndon, both involved with the program’s development at Dallas College, will provide valuable support and job search skills, helping students prepare for employment upon graduation.

“Dual-enrollment opportunities are essential to preparing students for both the workforce and higher education,” said Dr. Micaela Herndon, project director of EDA Biotech at Dallas College. “This program reflects the collaborative approach we prioritize with our partners, allowing students the chance to pursue career-focused education while getting a head start on their college coursework. We’re proud to support DeSoto ISD students as they step into this innovative field.”

“Providing students with dual-enrollment opportunities is critical in ensuring they are well-prepared for both the workforce and higher education,” Edwards said. This program exemplifies the collaborative approach we value with our partners, allowing students to pursue career-focused education while also gaining a headstart on college credits. We are excited to support the students of DeSoto ISD as they enter this innovative field.”

The initiative is further supported by Matt Carlson and Antoine Long from the DeSoto Development Corporation, who have worked diligently to bring this program to fruition. The DDC’s leadership, particularly that of Michael Baldwin, president of the Board, has been instrumental in bringing together local resources and stakeholders to create career pathways for DeSoto ISD students including the school’s recent esports program which has seen success since its introduction last year including a recent state gaming title.

"By combining resources across our region, we are ensuring that students in DeSoto ISD have access to the latest training programs that prepare them for in-demand careers," said Matt Carlson, CEO for DDC. "This is just the beginning. We’re excited to continue expanding opportunities for students and building industry partnerships that will benefit the community for years to come."

In addition to the Pharmaceutical cGMP Fundamentals course, DeSoto ISD has been working on expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs, such as the recent introduction of an esports gaming pathway at DeSoto High School and the P-TECH program aimed at fostering industry-specific career exploration and postsecondary readiness.

“We are focused on ensuring our CTE programs are designed with the intent of giving our scholars real-world exposure and a competitive edge,” said Melinda Pugh, DeSoto ISD director of Career and Technical Education. "This strategic approach is key to preparing our students for college, careers, and beyond."

This collaboration builds on the DeSoto ISD’s ongoing efforts to ensure students are exposed to the workforce of tomorrow, today. With programs like the Pharmaceutical cGMP Fundamentals course, students will graduate not only with academic knowledge but with the skills and certifications that make them valuable assets to the workforce.

"By providing this program, we are not only enhancing our students’ skills but also responding directly to industry needs," said Stephanie McCloud, chief academic officer of DeSoto ISD. "We aim to build educational programs that reflect the real-world demands of the industries our students will enter, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their futures and we are grateful for the partnership of Dallas College, the DeSoto Development Corporation and Panthera BioSolutions for their collaborative work to design this experience for our scholars."

SOURCE DeSoto Independent School District