GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Colorado Mesa University Tech received a $2.46 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to support short-term training programs in healthcare, first responders, technology, and more. The grant is from the DOE’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. According to the DOE, $169 million in these funds has been released across the nation.
CMU President John Marshall and Congressman Jeff Hurd presented the grant on January 27. The funding will support 8 to 15-week programs designed to provide education in the shortest amount of time possible.
“It’s about people getting the skills that they need to stay in this region, to support their families, and to build a future right here at home,” Hurd said.
The grant will support training programs for first responders, computer scientists, mechanics, truck drivers, veterinary assistants, and medical assistants. Community healthcare providers said these positions are vital to their operations.
Trina Keller, Human Resources Safety Director for Primary Care Partners, said medical assistant positions are particularly needed. “We have a limited number of medical assistants, and we’re always trying to fill those positions, and this just helps them,” she said.
“People think of health care and hospitals as doctors and nurses, but there’s so much more that is involved,” said Chris Thomas, CEO of Community Hospital. “Having the breadth of education and the opportunities at CMU Tech is such a tremendous asset to Community Hospital.”
Students involved in culinary arts, welding, nursing, and fire science programs attended Tuesday’s event. Fire science student John Hickam attributes his success to his respective program. “It really allowed me to focus on my education and put that first more than anything,” Hickam said. “In turn, that helps me get a job at Lower Valley Fire District.”
The grant will also strengthen CMU’s community partnerships. President Marshall shared that CMU takes pride in these connections.
“I think we’ve started to develop something of a reputation in terms of an institution who’s ready to partner in this community with our employers, find opportunities to put families and individuals in touch with careers in a really short amount of time,” Marshall said.
One of these partnerships is with the Mesa County Workforce Center, which will help provide data on workforce needs in the community. “This is exciting to be able to create another pathway for these job seekers to obtain education,” said Heather Nara, Director of the Mesa County Workforce Center.
Hurd said he hopes this grant is one in many more steps to prepare students and support the next generation of the workforce.
“I’m so proud of thegreat work that they’re doing here,” he said. “I can’t wait to see the great things that are to come for this wonderful institution.”
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