The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the allocation of $65 million in grants to 18 community colleges across 14 states. This funding aims to enhance affordable, high-quality workforce training programs that align with employer and worker needs in critical sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, semiconductors, and biotechnology.
These grants are part of the fifth round of the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, managed by the Employment and Training Administration. The initiative seeks to implement proven strategies for improving career pathway programs and achieving equitable outcomes for marginalized and underrepresented groups.
Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su stated, "The Biden-Harris administration is investing in training programs that end in a job, rather than a job search." She emphasized that these grantees help community colleges equip workers with necessary skills while strengthening workforce infrastructure.
The current round will support 18 lead institutions including a Tribally Controlled College, a Historically Black College and University, and five Hispanic Serving Institutions. These institutions will provide training across various sectors aligning with the Biden-Harris administration's Investing in America agenda.
To date, five rounds of grants have resulted in $265 million being invested into 207 colleges across 35 states. This effort addresses major workforce priorities for both employers and workers at state and local levels.
Among the recipients are JF Drake State Community and Technical College in Alabama receiving $1,514,520; Foothill - DeAnza Community College District in California awarded $5,627,122; Trinidad State College in Colorado granted $5,749,949; Ocean County College in New Jersey receiving $5,742,966; Dallas College in Texas allocated $5,748,729; Spokane Community College in Washington awarded $5,750,000 among others.
Overall distribution amounts to a total of $65 million aimed at enhancing workforce development through strategic educational partnerships nationwide.
