NSHE’S community colleges receive $9.9 million federal grant to help Nevada’s displaced workers and veterans
Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary Thomas E. Perez, and Secretary Arne Duncan announced today that the Nevada System of Higher Education’s four community colleges have been awarded a $9.9 million (out of a maximum award of $10 million) grant to partner with local employers to expand and improve their education and career training programs.
As part of the Nevada Community College Consortium, the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College and Western Nevada College were among 270 community colleges chosen for $450 million in job-driven training grants. The funding is part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) competitive grant program, which is co-administered by the Department of Labor and Department of Education.
“This grant will enable our community colleges to enhance their workforce training programs and to better meet the needs of Nevada’s students and the communities we serve,” said NSHE Chancellor Dan Klaich. “These programs are aligned with the Green Zone Veteran’s Initiative in Nevada to help our active duty military and veterans.”
The grants will provide community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to partner with employers to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that will help job seekers get the skills they need for in-demand jobs in industries like information technology, health care, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Western Nevada College will serve as the project lead and receive $4,406,143. The College of Southern Nevada will receive $1,746,492; Great Basin College $2,020,553 and Truckee Meadows Community College $1,748,643.
“This grants allows us to showcase the incredible collaboration between our four community colleges,” said Frank Woodbeck, executive director of the Nevada College Collaborative which oversaw the grant application process. “With these funds, we will be able to serve nearly 1,000 displaced workers, with an emphasis on veterans and active duty military personnel.”
The Nevada Community College Consortium will build a system of credit for prior learning to leverage the experience of active duty military, veterans, and older students re-entering higher education. The goal is to increase student retention as well as help these students earn higher wages.
Veterans Resource Centers will be developed and housed at each of the four community colleges. In partnership with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, veterans will have access to career assessment and planning tools.
In addition, collaborative members will utilize the American Council on Education (ACE) system for credit for prior learning so students can advance more rapidly to complete their certificate and degree programs.
The educational and training programs determined by the four colleges to have the best potential for growth and career pathways include: machine tool/CNC, welding technology, diesel technology, business administration, information technology, and health care.
