Press Release
September 20, 2012
Education
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon announced today that Missouri community colleges will receive nearly $18 million in competitive funds to prepare adult students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and public safety.
"Our top priority is to create good job and career opportunities for Missourians, and our community colleges are vital partners in this effort," Gov. Nixon said. "By expanding educational and training opportunities in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing and public safety, we are preparing Missourians for career opportunities that exist today. We will continue to expand training opportunities, invest in our workers and keep this economy moving forward."
Two Missouri applications received this competitive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training program.
A consortium of Missouri community colleges, led by St. Louis Community College, received nearly $15 million to launch MoManufacturingWINs. Through MoManufacturingWINs, students will earn skill certificates that are recognized and endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers. These certificates show employers that workers have demonstrated skills in specific areas of manufacturing, such as production, industrial maintenance, welding, machining and transportation and logistics.
Colleges participating in the MoManufacturingWINs consortium include East Central College; Linn State Technical College; Metropolitan Community College; Mineral Area College; North Central Missouri College; Ozarks Technical Community College; State Fair Community College; St. Charles Community College; and St. Louis Community College.
In addition, Crowder College in Neosho will receive $2.9 million for the Southwest Missouri Public Safety and Emergency Medical Initiative. Under this program, Crowder will develop new programs and courses and expand existing programs to educate students for careers in law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services. Students will work toward industry credentials, as well associate's degrees in law enforcement, applied science and fire science.
In addition, Crowder College will launch a new associate's degree in public management, designed to encourage students to complete a bachelor's degree in public administration at Missouri Southern State University.
"Having the right education and the right skills is critical for competing for the careers of today and tomorrow," Gov. Nixon said. "Advanced manufacturing and public safety are fields poised for continued growth in Missouri. These programs will help more Missourians compete for jobs in these dynamic industries."
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