Several Massachusetts community colleges have received funding to improve workforce training programs. A total of $11.8 million was awarded to 32 vocational schools, community colleges and public high schools through the Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant Program, an initiative of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet.
“These investments have a major impact for the educational institutions training our workforce and the students who stand to benefit from enhanced skills and career paths,” Baker said in a release.
Middlesex Community College will use a $489,750 grant to improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning environments and academic pathways. The college will use the grant to provide updated equipment – including new computers, work stations and 3D printers – in computer science and engineering/CAD classrooms.
Bunker Hill Community College’s engineering program received $386,540. The program, which serves more the 550 students, will get a new laboratory, allowing for the program’s academic offerings to expand.
Cape Cod Community College has plans to enhance nursing and allied health learning and skill development using its grant of more than $350,000. The college will purchase new equipment, including teaching simulators.
At Massasoit Community College, a $495,000 grant will help to update the college’s engineering lab, which supports chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering degrees.
A full list of grant recipients is available here.
Washington
Everett Community College will use a $649,961 National Science Foundation grant for STEM scholarships and to support low-income students. The grant is part of a larger effort to recruit and retain a more diverse STEM student population.
Scholarships will go to students selected for the STEM Bridge program for high school seniors. Students in the NASA-funded program receive free tuition, fees and books for 12 credits of science and math classes during summer quarter.
“This grant is going to be a huge help for students. Not only will they get a strong start at the college in the summer STEM Bridge program, but they’ll get ongoing support with faculty mentoring and scholarships for the whole time they’re at EvCC,” physics instructor Kristine Washburn said in a release.
Virginia
Tidewater Community College (TCC) and partner Opportunity Inc. will receive a $25,000 grant from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) for a pilot project to link local workforce systems with community colleges. The goal is to increase success for adult learners. The grant is funded by the Educational Credit Management Corporation.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the grant.
“I am delighted that Tidewater Community College and Opportunity Inc. have joined forces to promote expedited pathways and credit for prior learning and experience to the transitioning service members and other job seekers served by our workforce system,” McAuliffe said.
The TCC-Opportunity Inc. partnership is one of only four in the nation selected for the project. Philadelphia, Miami and Seattle were selected for other partnerships.
