Independent News Media
The Maricopa County Community College District and the Maricopa Community College Foundation received $1 million to support construction trades programs at three campuses.
Funds from the nationwide Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant will benefit the following programs: Mesa Community College, South Mountain Community College and Rio Salado College.
“Maricopa Community Colleges has a rich history of preparing skilled workers, many of whom join the local workforce and contribute to the region's economic growth,” said MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzalez. “Thanks to generous support from the Lowe's Foundation, we have the opportunity to strengthen our existing program offerings and provide our students with the highest quality education, resources and facilities to help prepare them for the workforce.”
Janice Dupré, executive vice president of human resources at Lowe's and chair of the Lowe's Foundation, said enrollment at “career-focused schools” is growing.
“These community colleges are a blooming ground for entrepreneurship and economic mobility,” she said. “Each college has a clear and incredible vision for closing the job gap in their communities, and we are thrilled to welcome them into our larger movement.”
Funding details:
- MCC will receive a grant of $483,705.88 to hire a part-time lab technician, expand its facilities to include outdoor training space, purchase construction materials and equipment, and optimize outreach efforts through various marketing activities.
- SMCC will receive a grant of $350,280.06 to hire additional staff, including part-time faculty and part-time lab technicians, purchase specialized carpentry, electrical and plumbing supplies, and expand marketing and recruiting efforts through events and promotional materials.
- RSC will receive a $45,176 grant to upgrade infrastructure and lab training space, provide OSHA training for three instructors and provide OSHA certification to approximately 400 students in the college’s prisoner reentry program at the Perryville and Lewis Correctional Facility complexes.
MCCF also uses funds to provide scholarships to help offset students’ costs of attendance.
