Palm Beach State College (PBSC) announced more than $2 million in new federal funding to support the creation of the Quantum Innovation Center, a hub for education, research and industry collaboration.
The grant was secured through a Community Project Funding request by U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Florida). The new funds build on $4.95 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, awarded by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this month, bringing total public investment in the project to nearly $7 million.
The Quantum Innovation Center, developed in partnership with the Business Development Board (BDB) of Palm Beach County and Quantum Coast Capital, will serve as a regional hub for workforce training in quantum computing and related high-tech fields. The BDB also received $1.03 million in companion funding to develop the center’s entrepreneurial and programming initiatives.
“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when education, government and business align around a shared vision,” said PBSC President Ava Parker.
PBSC also recently announced it received $200,000 in scholarship funding from TeamWork Education Foundation. Scholarship recipients will not only receive financial assistance, but also academic coaching, tutoring and career counseling designed to prepare them for workforce success or continued education.
Over the past 13 years, TeamWork has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to students across Palm Beach County.
Illinois
Oakton College will use a $270,704 grant from the Illinois Community College Board‘s Innovative Bridge and Transition (IBT) grant program to strengthen education-to-career pathways for adult learners. The funding will support expanded workforce training, employer partnerships and wraparound services to help students prepare for and secure high-demand careers.
Oakton’s programs will focus on preparing adult learners for industry-recognized credentials and in-demand careers. At least 95 participants will receive financial support as they prepare for the workforce, while 100 students will engage in work-based learning and career exploration opportunities.
Louisiana
The Northshore Mustang Club has donated $5,000 to Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) to support degrees and certifications in automotive technology.
The contribution is in addition to the club’s Northshore Mustang Club and Banner Ford Endowed Scholarship Fund. This latest gift continues a dedicated partnership that began in 2021, fueled by the club’s commitment to fostering local technical talent.
Since the partnership’s inception four years ago, the club has played a pivotal role in the academic journeys of local students. Six NTCC students have already received scholarships to date and three additional students are set to receive scholarships this year thanks to the club’s ongoing fundraising efforts.
The Northshore Mustang Club’s support is primarily funded through the proceeds of their annual car show.
Maryland
Carroll Community College has received $850,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center.
The funding will allow the college to purchase equipment for the Ratcliffe Center to deliver workforce training programs in areas such as welding, automotive technology, plumbing and advanced manufacturing. The investment is timely given that the college already has waitlists for high-demand automotive and welding programs, according to a press release.
U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Maryland) praised the college’s role in regional economic development.
“Maryland’s students are looking to build lives where they can truly thrive and find careers that are meaningful and can generate real wealth and success. Carroll Community College is preparing its students to follow their dreams, and this critical federal funding will ensure all the students have access to the tools and training they need to succeed in high-demand fields,” Alsobrooks said.
New Jersey
County College of Morris (CCM) has received $1 million from Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. to launch its dental hygiene and dental assisting programs.
The grant marks the largest corporate foundation grant in CCM history. It is offered in addition to Delta Dental’s $100,000 SMILE grant received in 2024 to underwrite the development and implementation of the two new dental programs.
The programs will be housed in the college’s forthcoming Center for Health Professions, set to open in winter 2027.
North Carolina
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) has secured $2.5 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation to help fund critical renovations and equipment at its E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center.
This grant completes the needed funding for the first phase of major renovations for the main building, including technology for training.
All three counties in CCCC’s service area submitted the Moore Center project to Golden LEAF for consideration through the foundation’s Community-Based Grants Initiative.
“The Moore Center strengthens our ability to connect the appropriately skilled talent with our current and future employers throughout our region, and this grant award is an excellent example of how our three counties work together to support our region,” said CCCC President Lisa M. Chapman.
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A $2.4 million gift to Craven Community College marks one of the largest private donations in the college’s history. The gift from Dr. Tim and Linda Hinkin, bequeathed after their death in 2024, will support major capital projects, expand workforce development opportunities in the healthcare field and establish the Tim and Linda Hinkin Memorial Scholarship Endowment to benefit future students.
Much of the funding will go toward capital projects, including the proposed acquisition and renovation of a new building to expand the Volt Center’s workforce development programs, which will increase capacity for health sciences programs.
The gift also will support expanding engineering and aviation workforce opportunities for students at the college’s Havelock campus, strengthening partnerships with Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and further aligning pathways with regional employer needs in advanced manufacturing, aviation and engineering.
The scholarship endowment will provide financial support for students who are having trouble meeting the financial needs to achieve their educational goals.
“Through this scholarship and these investments in our facilities and programs, Tim and Linda’s impact will continue well into the future,” said Craven CC President Ray Staats.
