By South Mountain Community College
The Maricopa County Community College District and Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation have been selected as one of 11 community and technical colleges receiving Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants nationwide. The district, in partnership with MCCF, will receive $1M in funding to support construction trades programs at Mesa Community College, South Mountain Community College and Rio Salado College.
“Maricopa Community Colleges have a rich history of training skilled workers, many of whom join our local workforce and contribute to the region’s growing economy,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD Chancellor. “Thanks to generous support from the Lowe’s Foundation, we have an opportunity to enhance our existing program offerings and provide our students with the highest caliber education, resources, and facilities to ensure they are job-ready.”
Funding allocation details:
- SMCC will receive $350,280 in grant funding to hire additional staff including a part-time faculty member and part-time lab technician; purchase specialized carpentry, electrical and plumbing materials, and expand marketing and recruitment outreach efforts through events and promotional materials. SMCC offers degree and certificate programs through its Construction Trades Institute, including specialized focus areas such as carpentry, electrical, framing, and plumbing. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion in Construction Trades: Carpentry or Construction Trades: Electrical in just one semester.
- MCC will receive $483,705 in grant funding to hire a part-time lab technician, expand facilities to include an outdoor training space, purchase construction materials and equipment, and optimize outreach efforts through various marketing initiatives. MCC’s Construction Trades program offers year-round start dates and comprehensive training in plumbing, carpentry, electrical systems and construction management to prepare students for careers as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, foremen, project managers and construction site managers.
- RSC will receive $45,176 in grant funding to upgrade infrastructure and lab training space, deliver OSHA training to three instructors, and provide OSHA certifications for an estimated 400 students at the college’s Incarcerated Re-Entry Program at the Perryville and Lewis Prison Complexes. In addition to the college’s certificate programs, RSC partners with the Arizona Department of Corrections to offer occupational training including construction-electrical and plumbing at the Perryville complex.
MCCF will also use funds to provide students with stipends to help cover their cost of attendance. (Source)