Michaud & Pingree Praise $2.5 Million Grant to Kennebec Valley Community College

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree are praising a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield. The investment is part of DOL’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative, and will go toward training programs at Kennebec Valley Community College that will prepare students for jobs in industries including healthcare, construction and social assistance.

“We need to put more effort into training young people with the concrete skills that translate directly into jobs,” Pingree said. “KVCC knows how to do that, they have the programs that teach those skills and this grant is a big investment in those programs."

“This is an important investment for KVCC and will help prepare our students for good jobs that strengthen our communities,” said Michaud. “As we continue working to grow and strengthen Maine’s economy, it’s important for us to invest in ensuring that the next generation has the skill sets they need to succeed in the high-demand sectors that help drive our economic engine.”

According to DOL, the funding will cover an array of activities, including:
· Hiring or training instructors to expand the capacity for in-demand courses or certifications;
· Expanding online learning opportunities to accelerate attainment of critical skills;
· Developing new training models to expand accessibility to classes and certifications;
· Purchasing needed equipment so students training in specific fields can train using what employers actually use; and
· Soliciting input from local employers and designing a curriculum based on their feedback.