Durham County proclaims 'Bulls Life Sciences Academy Day,' highlights stipends and employer hires
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Summary
Durham County commissioners formally recognized the Bulls Life Sciences Academy, citing county stipends, federal ARPA support and employer hires; county and program leaders said the initiative has expanded workforce pathways into life-sciences jobs for local residents.
Durham County commissioners on Monday recognized the Bulls Life Sciences Academy with a proclamation that highlighted county support, stipend payments for students and reported employer placements.
The proclamation, read and presented by Chair Dr. Mike Lee, credited Made in Durham, Durham Technical Community College and NC Biotech as partners and noted that students are eligible for a $10,000 stipend to cover living expenses while completing the program. Andy Miracle, Durham County director of economic development, told commissioners the program has produced 'over 200 graduates' and that 77 program alumni have taken jobs in the life‑sciences sector.
Casey Steinbecker, Made in Durham executive director and a program architect, traced the academy's origins to an Oak Foundation seed grant and said the county has provided recurring support, including $250,000 directed to Durham Tech for student stipends. Steinbecker also said the program scaled with federal ARPA funds and cited a figure of $3,000,000 used to expand enrollment.
A student featured in a short video and Nikkita Mahan, who spoke to the commissioners, described the program as career‑opening. Mahan said she now works at Eli Lilly as a process technician and is pursuing an associate degree in biotechnology at Durham Tech: 'Bulls changed my life,' she said.
Commissioners including Michelle Burton and Vice Chair Long praised the partnership model and urged continued investment, calling the program a pathway to economic mobility for Durham residents. The proclamation text also listed employer partners that have hired graduates, including Merrick, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Biogen.
The county did not record a separate roll‑call vote for the proclamation; it was presented and accepted as a ceremonial item on the agenda. A group photograph followed the presentation, and commissioners moved on to other business.
Why it matters: County investments in training and stipends can alter job access for residents who lack traditional pathways into technical fields. The proclamation frames BULLS as a partnership among nonprofit, academic and corporate partners to expand opportunities in Durham's life sciences economy.
What's next: Commissioners congratulated graduates and signaled continued county support; no further formal action on the program was recorded at the meeting.