DeSoto College seeks funding to sustain biotech initiative after grant expires

The DeSoto Economic Development meeting held on July 10, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the local economy and workforce development. The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the minutes from the previous board meeting on June 12, 2025, which was unanimously accepted.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the ongoing biotech initiative, which is nearing the end of its grant period in June 2026. A representative from the initiative shared that they are collaborating with Dallas College Foundation to secure additional funding from donors. This funding aims to sustain the program for two more years, transitioning to a self-sustaining model by the third year. The initiative has already contributed to the training of 525 individuals, with many entering the job market at competitive wages.

The board also discussed the importance of an economic impact study, which will assess how the biotech program has influenced the local economy. This study is expected to be completed within six months after the contract is finalized in the coming months. The findings will be publicly available and are intended to attract further investment to the DeSoto area.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the successful outcomes of the biotech sector, noting that it was one of the few programs to receive funding from the Good Jobs Challenge, while others did not achieve similar success. The board expressed optimism about the future of the biotech initiative and its potential to continue benefiting the local workforce and economy.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to bolster economic development in DeSoto through strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at workforce training and investment attraction. The next steps include finalizing the funding and completing the economic impact study to further promote DeSoto as a viable investment location.