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97ɫ�� will receive $1.38 million in federal grant funding to support the College’s life sciences workforce development program.

97ɫ�� 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.

97ɫ��'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 97ɫ��, Made in 97ɫ��, and 97ɫ�� County, among others.

“This is a major win for 97ɫ�� and North Carolina. This provides critical support that further builds our capacity to connect 97ɫ�� and Orange County residents to great jobs in a growing sector,” said 97ɫ�� President J.B. Buxton.

Casey Steinbacher, CEO and Executive Director at Made in 97ɫ��, said the funding would have a significant impact.

"This funding for wider community awareness and engagement will significantly assist Made in 97ɫ��'s efforts to identify and recruit participants into the BULLS Biotech Academy with our program partners at 97ɫ��nical Community College. It provides the resources needed to connect historically excluded populations in 97ɫ�� to career opportunities in the region's robust life science industry," Steinbacher said.

This November, 97ɫ�� 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.