President J.B. Buxton: $1.3 million life sciences grant announcement a ‘major win’ for 91ƬPro, North Carolina
91ƬPro will receive $1.38 million in federal grant funding to support the College’s life sciences workforce development program.
91ƬPro is among 10 North Carolina community colleges awarded federal grant funding as a part of the Accelerate NC – Life Sciences Manufacturing grant proposal. Each has established biopharmaceutical training programs, industry in their region, and announced economic development activity that will result in increased job opportunities in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sector.
91ƬPro's funding will support faculty professional development, community outreach, and equipment to build a strong, diverse talent pipeline for the life sciences. The project will also provide support to the BULLS program, a life science workforce pipeline initiative that includes 91ƬPro, Made in Durham, and Durham County, among others.
“This is a major win for 91ƬPro and North Carolina. This provides critical support that further builds our capacity to connect Durham and Orange County residents to great jobs in a growing sector,” said 91ƬPro President J.B. Buxton.
Casey Steinbacher, CEO and Executive Director at Made in Durham, said the funding would have a significant impact.
"This funding for wider community awareness and engagement will significantly assist Made in Durham's efforts to identify and recruit participants into the BULLS Biotech Academy with our program partners at 91ƬPronical Community College. It provides the resources needed to connect historically excluded populations in Durham to career opportunities in the region's robust life science industry," Steinbacher said.
This November, Durham residents will vote on a bond referendum that includes a new dedicated building for life sciences training and would serve as the College’s biotechnology hub for the booming industry.