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(Durham, N.C.) – U.S. Rep. David Price joined Durham County leaders to announce a new grant-funded aseptic training program at 91��Ƭ��Pro to help meet the talent demands for a booming life sciences industry in the Research Triangle.

Elected representatives, business and industry leaders, and workforce developers gathered together at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for the announcement Thursday morning.

At the news conference, Congressman Price, Chair of the Durham County Commissioners Brenda Howerton, and 91��Ƭ��Pro President J.B. Buxton announced that the College received $300,000 to fund the purchase of equipment for aseptic processing training, which is vital in preventing contamination while manufacturing sterile products. The funding included a $240,000 Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and $60,000 in matching funding from the Durham County Board of Commissioners.

“This training reflects our commitment to expand our biotechnology programming and training opportunities to meet the demands of a surging industry in our region,” said President J.B. Buxton. “Aseptic training is one part of our plan to create a pipeline to great jobs in a growing sector. We want to be the go-to institution for diverse talent for life sciences employers.”

Durham County has more than 4,000 life sciences jobs and the Research Triangle Park has over 8,000. With over 80 Pharmaceutical companies in the Research Triangle Park, companies have been challenged with filling positions with trained talent.

"91��Ƭ��Pronical Community College is once again showcasing its ability to design and grow their educational offerings to match the needs of local industry partners, giving students the tools and skills necessary to succeed in their desired career while having a positive impact on the region’s economy," said Rep. David Price (NC-04). "As we work to offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am pleased to have been able to assist with securing this critical EDA investment, which will triple the current training capacity on campus and strengthen our local life sciences workforce." 

With the new aseptic training on the College’s main campus in Durham, 91��Ƭ��Pro can significantly increase its training and 91��Ƭ��Pro students will have better access to the education and training they need to enter the biotech industry.

The announcement of the EDA grant and plans for aseptic training follows announcements in recent months about 91��Ƭ��Pro’s launch an apprenticeship program with KBI Biopharma and its role in the Building Up Local Life Sciences (BULLS) initiative to educate a diverse cohort of 18-24 year-olds for jobs in biotech, along with partners such as Durham County, the Durham Chamber of Commerce, the NC Biotechnology Center, and Made in Durham.

“We look forward to seeing the results of this new opportunity and how well it will allow our community residents to continue to train for the jobs of the future,” said Howerton, Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners. “We have much to celebrate as we continue to expand in this area.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION  
Desiree Towson, M.S.: 91��Ƭ��Pro Communications and Public Relations Coordinator at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu