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�ֲ���ý receives $2.3 grant from Dept. of Ed

October 2, 2023
by Megan Smedley

�ֲ���ý has been awarded a nearly $2.3 million grant from the United States Department of Education Title III program. 

�ֲ���ý will use the funding to address several needs across the institution, including expanding the Welding Technology program to the Montgomery Campus in Mt. Sterling, developing a new associate of applied science degree in Civil Engineering Technology with an emphasis on surveying and mapping, upgrading the paramedic certificate program to an associate of applied science degree, and establishing a new associate of applied science degree in Mechatronics Technology. 

“We are thrilled to be a recipient of the Title III grant, and we know it will move our institution to new heights of excellence,” said Dr. Dana Calland, Chief Academic Officer. “With the support provided by this grant, we will have the resources to further enhance our academic programs with new initiatives that will shape the future of our college and positively influence the lives of our students.” 

The expansion of the Welding Technology program to �ֲ���ý’s Montgomery Campus would include a new instructional laboratory, as well as a redesign of course sequencing and structure and hybrid/online course conversion to accommodate an accelerated program completion option. The college will appropriate over $300,000 of the grant funding toward the welding expansion.  

Additional funding for the welding expansion is being pursued through an Economic Development Administration grant that will require a cash match of $256,000. �ֲ���ý seeks to fund the cash match through fundraising opportunities. Funding provided through federal grants cannot be applied toward that match.  

�ֲ���ý will allot nearly $200,000 for the development of an AAS degree in Civil Engineering Technology, which will tap into the enrollment potential of an identified high-demand field within the region. 

Just over $200,000 will be budgeted to upgrade the highly demanded Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services certificate program to an AAS degree. Some courses will be converted to online/hybrid delivery and a mobile Ambulance Simulator will be developed to improve instruction. 

Nearly $150,000 of the funding will be used to establish a new AAS degree in Mechatronics Technology.  

“We are excited to leverage these funds to develop cutting-edge programs, invest in state-of-the-art facilities, and attract new faculty who will inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders and change-makers,” Calland said. “I'm proud of our college and look forward to the remarkable achievements that lie ahead as we begin these new programs.” 

Remaining grant dollars will enrich faculty training to facilitate the effective utilization of a variety of multimedia tools, techniques, and strategies such as podcasts, visualization aids, hypertext, and digital images/video.  

Additionally, funding will enhance two existing first-year courses by including Career Services specific to technical programs, and revamp enrollment management services via the acquisition of an innovated Customer Relations Management system to more efficiently connect student data from pre-enrollment, enrollment, registration, and the entire student lifecycle.  

"This funding is not just a financial boost, it's a vote of confidence in our dedication to our students and our region,” said Shana Savard Hogge, Director of Grants and Contracts. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey toward a brighter future for our community and our students. This award is the culmination of significant work to enhance educational access and success for our students. The funding of this project will have a profound impact on the lives of our students and the prosperity of our region."