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QCC Receives $10K from AMP IT UP! MATCHING GRANTS
Contact: Cherie Ronayne
Office of Institutional Communications
508.854.2849
cronayne [at] qcc.mass.edu
Release Date:
12/13/2013
Through the AMP it up! campaign that promotes advanced manufacturing as an attractive career path, MassDevelopment will for a second straight year issue matching grants to partnerships across the Commonwealth. In this second grant round, MassDevelopment will provide $108,950 in matching grants to 11 partnerships that consist of workforce investment boards, community colleges, and industry associations who will use funds to develop community-based programs and activities that educate students and the adults in their lives about career options in advanced manufacturing.
"Massachusetts is on the cutting-edge in terms of what states are doing to grow 21st-century manufacturing,” said Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Assistant Secretary for Innovation Eric Nakajima. “By collaborating with industry leaders and academia, we can help ensure we have a new generation of manufacturers who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for challenging and satisfying careers in advanced manufacturing.”
Projects range from regional robotics competitions and design workshops for Massachusetts youth to manufacturing externships for teachers, who will share their experiences with students.
“We’re thrilled to provide AMP it up! grants to these 11 organizations, which have developed compelling and creative programs to help dispel misconceptions about manufacturing in Massachusetts and add skilled workers to the sector,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones.
QCC’s winning proposal will build on the work of a previous grant recipient, the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, to implement a family academy program to reach underserved communities with career and college information. The program includes employer testimonials; multilingual presentations; meetings in familiar places; and supports such as a communal dinner, homework help, and child care. With Worcester Public Schools, the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation, and the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board as partners, Quinsigamond Community College will create two parent academies for Worcester and the Blackstone Valley.
Quinsigamond Community College is the most affordable higher education in Worcester County. As a regional leader in education and workforce development, QCC serves the diverse educational needs of Central Massachusetts by providing affordable, accessible, and high quality programming leading to transfer, career, and lifelong learning.