Accelerate NC: Empowering Underserved Populations To Pursue Careers In NC Life Sciences

By Sara Imhof, NCBiotech

Accelerate NC, a coalition formed under North Carolina's Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC), is transforming the state’s life sciences manufacturing sector through inclusive workforce development and community engagement. Recognizing the need to support the industry’s rapid growth, the coalition united education institutions, industry leaders, and community partners to expand training capacity and engage underserved populations.

Funded with a $25 million Phase 2 EDA award, the initiative supports programs like the BioWork certificate offered at 10 community colleges, workforce development at HBCUs, and community engagement led by NCBiotech. The initiative also aligns with NCBiotech’s Military Outreach & Veterans Engagement (MOVE) efforts to connect veterans with life sciences careers.

Accelerate NC has already shown significant impact. Individuals like Tina Blue, who transitioned from financial instability to a middle-class career in biomanufacturing, and Damon Sanders, who found purpose and career stability after personal challenges, exemplify the program’s success. Both now contribute to an industry that creates life-changing products.

The initiative has strengthened North Carolina’s workforce infrastructure, attracting $10 billion in new life sciences investments and creating 3,900 jobs in 2024 alone. The coalition’s legacy programs, strategic partnerships, and focus on inclusivity position North Carolina as a leader in life sciences manufacturing, delivering both economic growth and personal fulfillment to its citizens.

Accelerate NC is not only building careers but also fostering hope, legacy, and lasting impact, shaping one of the nation’s most diverse and accessible life sciences bioeconomies.