Ten NC community colleges will receive bioscience grants

The State Board of Community Colleges has approved just over $15 million in funding to support life science programs in ten schools.

The funding from the federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant will also include over $1 million for system office administration.

The idea is to bolster the life sciences industry by preparing a talent pool from across the state while expanding opportunities for underserved communities. The board said there is a need for skilled workers in the industry, citing the growing number of bioscience companies that plan to locate or expand in North Carolina.

In the Piedmont Triad, Forsyth Technical Community College will receive nearly $2 million over a three-year period.

According to Education NC, the program is one ingredient in a newly unveiled strategic plan for the state’s community colleges, which also includes hiring a new system president.

It will complement a second federal grant geared toward expanding the state’s apprenticeship program.