23 Dec 2024 UACCM awarded $2 million by Governor, Department of Education
The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) has been awarded a $2 million grant by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas Division of Higher Education Commissioner Ken Warden, and Chief Workforce Officer Mike Rogers.
The grant is part of the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program, which uses funding that was established by the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015. UACCM is one of 14 schools receiving a total of approximately $26 million to support workforce development efforts.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education and the HIRED Grant Program helps us meet Arkansas students, schools, and businesses where they are,” said Governor Sanders. “These grants will help build the workforce of the future and make Arkansas more competitive in industries such as steel manufacturing, aerospace and defense, lithium, and cybersecurity.”
“UACCM is very thankful for the HIRED grant award, and it is meaningful in multiple ways. Not only does the grant allow for the expansion of workforce training for the employers in our region, but it also serves as a complement to the great work already expended, lending additional momentum toward the continuation of that work in our region and state. It’s a great day for Arkansas,” said UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg.
The Governor and the Department of Commerce previously announced $48 million in HIRED training grants in November. The HIRED grants are intended to provide funding for state and regional industry-driven partnerships and data-driven education and workforce training programs.
“These awards directly align with Arkansas Workforce Strategy by connecting higher education efforts with the needs of Arkansas employers. This is a win for Arkansas. Employers will have the workforce they need and employees will earn higher wages by being trained better,” said Arkansas Division of Higher Education Commissioner Ken Warden.
In total, $88 million is available through the HIRED Grant program’s two tracks, which are separately administered through the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
“Arkansas has a longstanding tradition for innovation, work ethic, entrepreneurship, and the trades. It is the right time to invest regionally in our two- and four-year colleges. Employers are asking for specific short-tern training and higher education degrees. Part of it is going back to our roots, but also pioneering new spaces,” said Chief Workforce Officer Mike Rogers.
