The DeSoto Development Corporation voted to provide $40,000 to help stand up a biotech training program at DeSoto High School that organizers say would put students on a short-term pathway to entry-level jobs in good‑paying contract manufacturing, packaging and lab roles.

The board heard a presentation from staff about a partnership among Panthera BioLife Solutions, Dallas College and DeSoto Independent School District to run an eight‑week Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) training cohort locally. Staff described a plan for two weeknight cohorts (10 students each) beginning in April with a third cohort possible before the grant funding expires in June. Dallas College would fund the instructional training under an Economic Development Administration grant if that grant continues; the DeSoto investment would pay to equip and prepare a local lab space so training can take place at DeSoto High School rather than requiring students to travel.

The board was told the training is targeted to students who are not already on a college track and who would benefit from a direct career pathway. Presenters said the GMP skills are in high local demand and can produce starting wages in the low‑to‑mid $20s per hour. Students would be enrolled through Dallas College, complete the certification, and receive interview preparation and employer networking run by the program.

Board members and school staff confirmed counselors had already identified more than 20 interested students and that Panthera had surveyed the high‑school lab and proposed a modest equipment package that could be sourced secondhand for classroom use. The program would include one field trip to a working clean‑room facility so students can see industry standards.

During discussion board members emphasized the need for clear front‑end metrics and long‑term commitments from partners; staff said Dallas College would handle enrollment and employer outreach and that the DDC would use its workforce budget to fund the lab setup. After discussion a board member moved to support the plan and provide the $40,000 lab/setup grant. Another board member seconded. The board voted by voice; members present answered “aye” and the chair announced the motion passed.

Board materials and staff said the $40,000 can be covered under the DDC workforce line item approved in the current budget; staff also outlined a potential follow‑on ask of roughly $20,000 next fiscal year if Dallas College’s EDA training dollars are not renewed. The board asked staff for updates on enrollment and placement outcomes and for the program to track metrics that will be included in future quarterly reports.

The DDC approved the funding at the meeting and instructed staff to finalize agreements with Panthera, Dallas College and DeSoto ISD and return with progress reports and student placement data.