Vote of confidence
The N.C. Research Campus has recently received a couple of million-dollar endorsements from the Obama administration.
While the USDA awards didn’t come directly from the White House, they do reflect the administration’s commitment to improving the nation’s health and nutrition ó goals that parallel those of the Research Campus taking shape in Kannapolis. They also underscore how the campus’ cutting-edge science can impact the well-being and life spans of citizens here and around the globe.
One grant, announced this week, will help fund a scholarship program that will give first-year graduate students an opportunity to earn and learn in campus labs.
The other $1 million, included in the Agricultural Appropriations Bill approved by Congress and signed by the president last month, will establish a USDA Human Nutrition Center at the Kannapolis campus. That $1 million is just the beginning: It’s anticipated that the center eventually will have an annual budget of $25 million and be a catalyst for further development and job creation at the campus.
These federal funds would be welcome at any time. But they’re especially important coming amid a sluggish economy, when other public and private funding sources are constrained ó and are likely to remain so until a full economic recovery occurs. Taken together, these awards represent a substantial vote of confidence in the Research Campus’ mission of helping people enjoy healthier, longer lives.