JCC has received a $149,677 Appalachian Regional Commission grant to enhance several of the college’s technology-related programs.
The grant, which was announced by Rep. Tom Reed, will be used to purchase automation and robotics equipment to incorporate into program curriculum at the Manufacturing Technology Institute facilities at JCC’s Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses.
“This grant is going toward equipping the next generation of students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Reed. “We are proud to support such an endeavor as this which will allow JCC to reinvigorate its mechanical, industrial equipment, and welding technology programs to better suit the needs of students and employers in Chautauqua County. We care about giving every opportunity of success to students in our district – and this is just one of the ways that can happen.”
JCC president Daniel DeMarte noted, “In response to employer expressed workforce needs in the Southern Tier region, the grant provides JCC the capacity to enhance its mechanical technology, industrial equipment technology and welding technology programs by incorporating relevant skills in automation and robotics.”
ARC grants are awarded to projects that develop, support, or expand education and training programs, including teacher and administrator training; material; equipment; computer purchases, building renovations, and start-up operational costs for new programs.
Training programs that are awarded focus on helping workers improve job skills, learn new jobs skills to keep their current jobs, and enable workers to become eligible for better paying positions or obtain new jobs.