We build collaborative systems with positive community impact to change lives.

Made in Durham collaborates with the community on three strategic levels to build an Education-to-Career system for Durham. This approach effectively links learning and work for Durham's youth and employers. Through Pathways, Policy & Advocacy, and Capacity Building, we provide support to ensure the ongoing success of each strategic solution and its participants. Our work is rooted in our mission to identify and address gaps through innovative collaboration models.

Our current main initiative, the BULLS Life Sciences Academy, is coming to life. This pathway solution prepares Durham's young people for careers while building a talent pipeline to help regional companies compete and grow. The graphic below illustrates how MID deploys strategic thinking to develop solutions such as BULLS, ultimately feeding the solutions back into the community.

BULLS Life Sciences Academy Pathway [Execution Strategy]

Community Engagement

The Community Engagement team works with organizations that provide education, employment, and/or support services to the growing Durham youth population and their families. Through collaboration we leverage the credibility and relationships of our community partners to promote LifeSciences career exposure and recruitment opportunities. 

Key Functions: 

  • Support BULLS applicants through communication

  • Info sessions & ongoing assistance 

  • Community events to chat all things "BULLS" 

  • Implement & manage the Community Partner Engagement RFP

  • Performance Metrics 

Youth Engagement

After Recruitment and Enrollment, the Youth Engagement team ensures timely access to resources, emphasizing success in coursework as preparation for employment. We support the goals of individual students, whether pursuing a life sciences career, further education or a different career path. Youth Engagement is a supportive force guiding them through their next steps in life.

Key Functions: 

  • Coursework 

  • Support 

  • Performance Metrics 

Corporate Engagement

Our Mission drives everything we do everyday. In Alumni and Corporate Engagement, our efforts are closely tied to realizing our Vision. Specifically, we are building toward a future when multiple pathways of choice exist for residents, a robust pipeline of talent exists for business, and our whole community thrives. we begin to deliver on our Vision.

Key Functions: 

  • Alumni Engagement: Pathways of Choice/Opportunity 

  • Corporate Engagement: Pipeline of Talent

  • Key Metrics