President J.B. Buxton: $1.3 million life sciences grant announcement a ‘major win’ for Durham Tech, North Carolina

Durham Tech will receive $1.38 million in federal grant funding to support the College’s life sciences workforce development program.

Durham Tech 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.

Durham Tech'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 Durham Tech, Made in Durham, and Durham County, among others.

“This is a major win for Durham Tech 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 Durham Tech 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 Durham Technical 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.