Building economic mobility for Durham’s young people and a skilled talent pipeline to help regional companies compete and grow.
Opportunity starts here. Growth stays here.
Making positive impacts together
Made in Durham is a community partnership built to strengthen Durham’s Education-to-Career system. We align people, programs, and resources so young people are not left to navigate critical transitions alone.
Our work focuses on what happens between education and opportunity. We connect learning to real careers by supporting students, families, educators, employers, and community organizations in pursuit of lasting economic mobility for Durham youth.
An Education-to-Career system that works in real life
A strong Education-to-Career system does more than prepare students for their next step. It removes barriers, creates clear pathways, and provides the support needed to stay on track.
At Made in Durham, that means:
Aligning education, training, and workforce opportunities across the city
Pairing expectations with real-world supports like tutoring, stipends, childcare, and coaching
Staying connected beyond graduation, through career entry and growth
Designing pathways that reflect the realities of students’ lives and the needs of local employers
When young people thrive, the entire Durham community benefits.
We’re building a stronger community and local workforce.
Built for everyone who plays a role
Education-to-Career systems are built for all of us, because no single group can do this work alone. When done well, they create value across the community.
Educators
Clear pathways and aligned expectations help connect learning to real career outcomes and support smoother transitions for students.
Community Organizations
Coordinated systems reduce fragmentation, strengthen collaboration, and ensure support reaches students who need it most.
Businesses
Reliable talent pipelines and work-based learning opportunities help employers meet workforce needs while investing locally.
Government
Aligned strategy and shared outcomes support smarter investment and long-term economic stability.
Residents
Clear, navigable pathways make opportunity feel attainable and help students and families move forward with confidence.
A shared commitment to Durham’s future
Made in Durham exists to create conditions where opportunity is not a matter of luck. It is the result of a coordinated system, grounded in care, clarity, and accountability.
Together, we are building pathways that last and futures that work.
MID in action:
The BULLS Initiative
Made in Durham’s flagship program, this community partnership connects Durham residents to rewarding career pathways in rapidly expanding Life Sciences industries through wraparound financial assistance, coaching, certifications, and post-graduate support.