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Made in Durham reports strong Bulls Academy outcomes, warns sustainability depends on continued funding
Summary
Made in Durham representatives told commissioners ARPA funding scaled the Bulls Academy life‑science workforce program: about 175 enrolled and 132 graduates to date, with recent cohorts averaging high graduation rates and dozens of alumni placed in industry jobs; leaders said tracking placement and long‑term sustainability remain challenges.
Casey Steinbacher and David Dodson of Made in Durham presented an ARPA‑funded update on the Bulls Academy, a life‑science workforce pipeline supported by a $3,000,000 county contract begun in August 2023. The presenters said the program has enrolled roughly 175 participants and recorded 132 graduates, with recent cohorts attaining graduation rates near 90 percent and 47 known participants working in life‑science jobs.
Steinbacher framed the initiative as a "systems organization" that connects community partners, Durham Technical Community College and employers and stressed supports such as success coaches, tutoring, transportation and stipends. "Our job really here is... we sit atop of the education to career system for 14 to 25 year olds," Steinbacher said, describing the program’s aim to create pathways into high‑wage, high‑growth life‑science jobs.
Made in Durham said ARPA money jump‑started scaling and that sustainability remains a key risk: staff asked the county and partners to help identify long‑term funding and state‑level tracking solutions so certified participants’ placements can be verified and reported.
