29 Sep 2014 UACCM to receive $1.1 million grant

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced last week that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $7.5 million in Arkansas to finance projects that will create jobs, promote innovation, increase resiliency to natural disasters and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton will receive $1.1 million to fund site preparation and water line improvements to support the construction of a new workforce training center on the college’s campus. The new facility will be used to train workers for careers in industries such as heating and air conditioning technology, automotive service and collision repair technology, and diesel engine mechanics technology.

“We are excited about this investment from the Department of Commerce and what it means for the future of our region,” said UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis. “The next step is for us to get all of the necessary approvals from the UA System. If all goes well, we could break ground on the project site as early as spring 2015.”  

UACCM Development Office Morgan Zimmerman added, “I believe having the support of the DOC and the EDA will have a huge impact on our fundraising efforts. Their initial investment will help us to leverage additional public and private funds for the Workforce Training Center.”  

The new Workforce Training Center will bring together technical training programs and an adaptable training space for existing and new businesses and industry into one easily accessible location on the UACCM campus. All of these services equip the area with a qualified workforce for high-wage, high-demand careers which serve as a vital economic development tool.

UACCM is the only member school of the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) in Arkansas. UACCM’s NC3 industry partnerships ensure quality curricula and national certifications for the students graduating from its technical programs. The new facility will allow for new equipment that enables UACCM to increase NC3 certification course offerings.

For updates on this project as they become available, visit UACCM.edu or email [email protected] to be added to an e-newsletter distribution list.