Nash Community College to Receive Economic Development Administration Grant
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced Nash Community College will receive a $1.5 million grant for a new workforce training facility that will be part of the new Continuing Education and Public Services Building. The Corporate Training Wing will allow NCC to expand existing partnerships with businesses and train individuals for available jobs, helping meet the increasing demand for skilled employees in the local service area.
The college, ranked #21 among the top 50 fastest-growing public two-year colleges of its size in the United States by Community College Week, is currently near capacity. Additional space will complement the robust corporate training already taking place. Studies have shown a well prepared workforce helps reverse the trend of employment losses and increases opportunities for higher paying jobs in existing and emerging industry sectors.
The Corporate Training Wing will be dedicated to training students for employment in transportation and logistics and high-tech manufacturing sectors. The project will allow for growth of the Global Logistics Technology program and provide instructional space for customized industry-specific skills training. Nash Community College’s logistics training program is unique to the college’s service area, and as a result, the learning space provided by the Corporate Training Wing will expand the college’s capacity to serve students regionally.
In 2012, local citizens overwhelmingly chose to support the college’s $9,500,000 bond referendum to construct and equip the new 78,000 square foot Continuing Education and Public Services Building. With the dedicated space, NCC also plans to expand Entrepreneurship and Small Business course offerings. The project will result in a private sector investment of $5.5 million and creation of an estimated 440 jobs over the next five years as well as poise the region for future economic growth.
The award of $1.5 million from the EDA’s Public Works funds will assist with various expenses including site development, structural components, interior finishes, fire protection, plumbing, mechanical and electrical costs. “The Economic Development Administration grant, matched by local bond funds, further validates Nash Community College’s position as an active corporate trainer and the college’s long-standing reputation for assisting business and industry partners,” Nash Community College President Dr. Bill Carver said.
