Northwest Florida State College received not only unanimous approval from the Triumph Gulf Coast Board for the $5.7 million Walton Works Training Center of Excellence project but also a commitment of $2.8 million. The Walton Works project includes career and education initiatives and expansions to be offered at the college’s Chautauqua Center in Walton County.
Over the next five years, NFW State College projects northwest Florida residents will earn at least 1,570 industry-recognized certificates.
“The Walton Works Training Center of Excellence will position the region for quality growth and enhance workforce, economic and community development opportunities throughout northwest Florida,” said President Devin Stephenson.
California
The San Diego Community College District’s (SDCCD) San Diego Promise program has exceeded the $1 million mark in contributions. A recent pledge of $45,600 from the San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation brings total fundraising since the program began to $1.03 million.
“Reaching this major milestone in the district’s fundraising effort is an important step in establishing a sustainable, long-term funding model for supporting our students in reaching their educational and career goals,” said SDCCD Chancellor Constance Carroll.
More than 230 individuals, corporations and nonprofits have made gifts to the San Diego Promise, which provides two years of education at San Diego City, Mesa and Miramar colleges for first-time, full-time students, without tuition.
Alabama
Calhoun Community College has received a $199,997 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the college’s Automotive Technology for Dual Enrollment Students project. The college will purchase equipment for the program, create new certificates in automotive technology, and develop short- and long-term training programs to ensure the region has a pipeline of skilled workers. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide an additional $221,287, bringing the total project funding to $421,284.
Georgia
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) received a $45,000 donation from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) to support students throughout the state’s technical colleges. A portion of the funds go directly to the Last Mile Fund to benefit student retention.
Another portion of the donation will support the Georgia Occupational Award for Leadership Program, which celebrates students’ excellence in technical education and outstanding personal achievement. A panel of judges selects one student from each of Georgia’s 22 technical colleges to serve as the statewide ambassador for technical education.
Kentucky
Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) and Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) each received a $50,000 Stronger by Degrees Student Success grant from the state’s Council on Postsecondary Education. The funding will help the colleges improve student progression and completion, with a special emphasis on low-income and underrepresented minority students.
BCTCS plans to expand professional development for faculty and staff to improve advising and academic engagement. MCTC will educate campus employees about the impact that poverty has on students’ ability to succeed academically. The college also plans to coordinate services to remove barriers that could hinder academic success. At OCTC, a dedicated success coach will help the college extend advising services. Associate-degree-seeking students also will gain access to focused supports and experiential learning opportunities.
Pennsylvania
Northampton Community College (NCC) can expand its commercial driver’s license training program thanks to a $73,975 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The funds will help to buy seven model truck trailers and upgrade equipment like the advanced truck driver simulator. With the enhancements, NCC expects to bring in nearly 300 new students in the first three years of implementation.
