Mikulski, Cardin, Van Hollen Announce $5.6 Million Grant for Montgomery College for Job Training Programs

Press Release

U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, along with Congressman Chris Van Hollen (all D-Md.) today announced that Montgomery College has been awarded a $5,633,390 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to strengthen and expand The Capital Region Collaborative: Jobs in Technical Careers (CRC) job training partnership. CRC aims to expand access to job training programs, especially for minorities, veterans, women, and others who are currently underrepresented in the information technology fields.

"Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation," Senator Mikulski said. "Every child, regardless of race or family income, deserves their chance to get a foothold on that ladder. And a diverse and well-educated workforce is key to a strong, innovative economy. With these federal funds, Montgomery College will continue to prepare today's students for tomorrow's careers."

"We've taught our children that the American dream is achievable for those willing to pursue an education and work hard. Federal investment in our community colleges helps turn those dreams into reality without leaving students and families in enormous debt," said Senator Cardin. "I will continue to fight to support forward-thinking programs like this one at Montgomery College, a great example of why community colleges are integral to our state-wide educational system."

"One of the biggest challenges in our new economy is ensuring students gaining 21st century skill sets have a pipeline to a good paying job. This grant will help Montgomery College expand its job training partnership to help Maryland students -- especially those who face obstacles to entering the workforce -- gain the skills they need to find employment in high-demand industries," said Congressman Van Hollen.

"Montgomery College is excited to lead a regional partnership--with Frederick Community College, Prince George's Community College, area employers and industry associations--

to put Marylanders to work and meet the needs of Maryland's IT employers." said Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, president of Montgomery College. "Community colleges are leading the way and building a pipeline of a homegrown IT workforce."

The grant was provided through the America's Promise grant program, inspired by President Obama's America's College Promise plan to make two years of community college free for responsible students. America's Promise grants are designed to accelerate the development and expansion of regional workforce partnerships committed to providing a pipeline of skilled workers in specific sectors.

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