MCC to Serve as Consortium Leader for Implementing $15 Million Federal CAMI Grant
From left, BOR President Gray, Governor Malloy, MCC President Gena Glickman, Congressman Larson pose at a press conference Oct. 14 to explain the details of the grant.
As implementation of the $15 million federal grant for the Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (CAMI) moves forward, Manchester Community College will serve as the lead college of the consortium working collaboratively with the other 11 Connecticut community colleges, Charter Oak State College, and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (ConnSCU) System office, it was announced today.
MCC has been allocated some $6 million of the total funds to support its consortium leadership role. CAMI builds upon the success of the state’s nationally recognized Advanced Manufacturing Centers that are currently implemented at four state community colleges and expands manufacturing education to every community college in Connecticut.
“A highly educated and skilled workforce will provide leading manufacturers with the means they need to expand, increase production and create good-paying jobs with good benefits right here in Connecticut,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “Time and again, I hear from manufacturers about their need for workers equipped with the tools necessary to fill some of these in-demand, modern technology manufacturing positions. To compete, we must show these employers that we are training our students for real-world jobs they want to fill. Our state’s four Advanced Manufacturing Centers have become nationally recognized in this field – expanding manufacturing education throughout the state’s community college system will show manufacturers our commitment to this emerging sector of our economy.”
As the Lead Institution, MCC will oversee the team responsible for each consortium member’s responsibilities, outcomes and deliverables towards the overall success of the grant, as well as provide each member’s grant budget. A project director will communicate with the US Department of Labor on behalf of the consortium and will share information and technical assistance from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training national office and federal project officer with member institutions, as well as work with the Connecticut Board of Regents fiscal staff to monitor consortium member sub recipients.
“MCC is honored to be chosen as the lead college of this important initiative to help bring advanced training and educational opportunities to our state,” said Dr. Gena Glickman, MCC president. “The grant will allow for CT’s community colleges to enhance manufacturing offerings, ensuring that our students are the best prepared to enter the workforce.”
Dr. Glickman added, “What that means for MCC is an expansion of the manufacturing program and an increase in the number of students who can fill in-demand jobs such as CNC operator, quality control floor inspector and CNC programmer, and the grant will help students gain more hands-on experience during the course of our programs, a skill which manufacturers have requested. It is a very exciting time for MCC and for our community college system as a whole.”
Congressman John Larson (D-1) said, “I’d like to congratulate Manchester Community College for leading the consortium and all its partners for creating new and better opportunities for our state’s veterans, and providing a new pathway for Connecticut workers to get the skills they need to access good jobs in the manufacturing sector. Our community colleges have committed to driving our economy forward by developing a pipeline of workers for local manufacturers and providing today’s workforce with the skills and education needed for the jobs of tomorrow.”
