Wilson Community College Awarded $13 Million from Golden LEAF Board

On October 3, 2024, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $13 million to Wilson Community College (WCC) to fund state-of-the-art training equipment for the new biotechnology workforce training center set to open in June 2026, in Wilson County. This substantial investment is part of a larger initiative, with the State of North Carolina appropriating $30 million in total funding for the center.

“Wilson Community College is honored to have been selected for this award,” said President Jami Woods. “This investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation will provide state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that the biologics training center will offer a wide and diverse range of training and education. This further increases our capacity to prepare a workforce that will serve the ever-expanding life sciences sector in the eastern region of NC. We are extremely grateful to the Golden LEAF Foundation for supporting Wilson Community College and the region.”

This announcement coincides with the exciting news of Johnson & Johnson’s and other major pharmaceutical companies’ plans to establish campuses in Wilson, further solidifying the region as a growing hub for life science education and employment.

Golden LEAF’s 15-member Board of Directors is appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House. “The Golden LEAF Board was proud to provide funding for the training center operated by Wilson Community College,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “The center will provide the knowledge and skills needed to work for Johnson & Johnson and other employers in the region. This announcement is a major win for eastern North Carolina.”

The biotechnology workforce training center will serve as a critical resource for local residents seeking to enter or advance in the life sciences sector, offering hands-on training designed to meet industry’s evolving demands. As Wilson County continues to attract significant investments from major biomedical companies, the establishment of this center is poised to enhance workforce readiness and drive economic growth in the region.

Wilson Community College is committed to playing a pivotal role in this expanding opportunity, ensuring the local workforce is equipped to thrive in a competitive job market. WCC offers multiple educational opportunities in life science including biotechnology, bioworks, and more.