Accelerate NC - Life Sciences Manufacturing
Coalition Lead: North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Phase 2 Award: $25 million
Additional Public and Nonprofit Funding (Sept. 2022 – Sept. 2024): $2.2 million
Project Description: The Accelerate NC – Life Science Manufacturing coalition is leveraging a $25 million BBBRC grant to strengthen the region’s life sciences cluster by investing in a more robust pipeline of biotech talent across the state. The biomanufacturing industry in North Carolina has grown significantly since 2020 and workforce programs aim to meet the demand for these jobs that are accessible to those without advanced degrees. The coalition unites the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, North Carolina Central University, and the North Carolina Community College System.
VIDEO: Introduction to NC Grads2Work
As of September 2024, the coalition made significant strides in achieving its vision of a robust life sciences manufacturing talent pipeline for this thriving cluster:
- The coalition’s Ambassador program has added over 440 new members to the Accelerate NC Community Platform. More than 150 trained ambassadors, spanning 31 counties and reaching 59 communities, have shared training and career opportunities with nearly 6,000 community members. This program is helping increase awareness of and opportunities in accessible, entry-level, and well-paying careers in the booming life sciences manufacturing sector in the state.
- NCBiotech’s North Carolina Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium (NCLSAC) provided scholarships for 214 students to take the BioWork certificate program as a pre-apprenticeship and enabled four of its member companies to establish registered apprenticeships programs (RAP) and hire apprentices. The NCLSAC currently has 14 company members with more companies planning to join.
- The NC Grads2Work Program offers high school graduates from Pitt County basic biopharma manufacturing skills and a guaranteed job interview with local employers. During FY24, 29 students attended a two-day training course at the NC Pharmaceutical Services Network at Pitt County Community College and many of them were hired for jobs.
- Participants in the coalition’s Building Up Local Life Sciences (BULLS) Academy program, which provides life stipends and academic support for young North Carolina residents as they pursue careers in life sciences, has increased the number of participants and seen tremendous success in outcomes. Recent graduates are finding employment and earning up to $55,000 annually.
Coalition Overarching Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
“This award continues to strengthen North Carolina’s robust life sciences manufacturing workforce, ensuring that this sector continues to thrive. Three funded projects are underway to attract and train a more diverse workforce to manufacture vaccines, antibodies and other medicines while enabling greater equity for underserved populations of North Carolinians, including those from distressed and rural communities.”
Accelerate NC – Life Sciences Manufacturing
Related Links
- Learn more about the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
- Learn more about Accelerate NC and the work the coalition is doing to increase awareness of and access to life sciences manufacturing trainings and jobs.
- View or join the Accelerate NC Community Platform to convene online as a community, promote programs and events, share career fair information, and support connective tissue moving trainees through the program into life sciences manufacturing careers.
- Learn more about the North Carolina Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium.
In the News
- Winston-Salem State University Offers New Training Course
- Vision, Collaboration and Patience Create a Strong Biopharma Talent Pipeline
- Build Back Better Award Fuels North Carolina’s Life Sciences Manufacturing Talent Pipeline
- NCBiotech Southeast Venture Final Names Winner, Highlights Area Life Sciences
- Accelerating Equitable Growth in North Carolina's Life Sciences Cluster