Item:
Title
Proclamation - Recognizing BULLS Academy Life Sciences Day (5min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: January 12, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to recognize BULLS Academy Life Sciences Day.
In early 2020, a collaborative of Durham organizations banded together to form what is now known as the BULLS Academy. The initiative's purpose was to explore ways to scale and connect Durham’s Education-to-Career system to the Triangle’s high growth-high wage industry sectors. The effort grew in response to concern that area talent demand was outpacing workforce development supply systems in the area, as well as to increase the number of Durham residents competing for excellent career opportunities within the Triangle region.
The goal of the BULLS Academy is to align, strengthen and scale the current system that supports Durham residents in obtaining a life science credential, and ultimately a career that provides higher income and economic prosperity. Students apply to be part of a BULLS Academy cohort that enrolls them in Durham Technical Community College’s BioWork Certificate coursework. This is a Biotechnology Biomanufacturing CE Program that takes 14 weeks. The BioWork certificate is recognized throughout the state and opens the door to entry-level employment in BioPharma Manufacturing. In these roles, graduates help make vaccines and drugs that improve health and save lives. To ensure that students are properly equipped for the coursework at Durham Tech, the BULLS Academy offers success coaching and engagement resources through Made in Durham and Durham Tech, industry expertise and resources from NC Biotechnology Center, as well as financial support from Durham County.
In January 2024, the Board of County Commissioners approved $3 million in ARPA funding to support the continuation and scaling of the BULLS Academy. Additionally, the County has supported the program with $1 million in local funding that started in 2021. Through the first 11 cohorts, 190 students have graduated with an overall graduation rate of 82%. As the program has been refined, the last 4 cohorts have had a graduation rate of 96% with the last cohort achieving 100% for the first time. To date, 70 of those graduates are employed in the Life Sciences industry and many have continued education at Durham Tech.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Regional Leadership 1a.
Resource Persons: Andrew Miracle, Director, Economic Development; Maurice Jones, Deputy County Manager, External Affairs
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board recognize BULLS Academy Life Sciences Day.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________