$500 Million Awarded for Community College and Career Training Collaboration

The Department of Labor and the Department of Education jointly announced nearly $500 million in grants awarded through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative. These grants will support the development and improvement of post secondary education programs by allowing community colleges to expand training programs or improve existing ones in partnership with local and regional businesses. 

This kind of support is critical during when so many individuals and families are struggling find jobs. Community colleges are increasingly being called upon as a partner in connecting skilled workers to employment. Data shows that during the economic recession, post secondary education and training kept more people competitive in the labor market.  Community colleges are particularly important for low-income adults whose post secondary education needs include more flexibility in their schedule to deal with competing work and family priorities, further academic preparation to succeed in an advanced program, and greater affordability. A list of the 32 grantees can be found in the award announcement with more  information on the program here.