A statewide coalition of public and private partner organizations and institutions, led by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, has received a Phase 2 award totaling nearly $25 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge!
The NCBiotech-led consortium is one of only 21 projects chosen from 60 applicants nationwide. The Phase 2 award will further strengthen North Carolina's life sciences manufacturing cluster by expanding, connecting, and promoting training and career opportunities to underserved and distressed communities, including historically excluded populations. Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) is a participant in the NC BioBetter Project.
“This investment will boost our economy and strengthen our workforce for years to come,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “As North Carolina's life science sector continues to thrive and expand, we’re glad to keep working with the Biden-Harris Administration and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to invest in the industries that make our state great.”
"Vance-Granville worked closely with our industry partners to ensure that our segment of the project was a good fit for the VGCC regional needs. The College is delighted to be a part of the coalition designed to increase access to good paying jobs in the Life Sciences sector. The funding will support the VGCC Bioprocess program and provide a new faculty member, student support personnel, equipment, and professional development in support of the effort. We look forward to working with government, industry, K-12, community college and university partners to bring this spectacular vision to life," said Rachel Desmarais, the President of VGCC. Details of VGCC-specific participation in this grant will be released the week of September 5, 2022.
This is the largest economic development initiative from the Department of Commerce in decades.
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