Santa Fe College (SF) was recently awarded a $1.57 million grant through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP) that will help prepare and expand engineering technology training into rural parts of Alachua and Bradford counties.
According to an SF College press release, “Workforce CAP is instrumental in establishing and expanding career and technical education programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications.”
The funds from Workforce CAP are part of $40 million in statewide awards – announced by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) on Sept. 30 – to increase education programs with a priority on in-demand industries.
“Florida’s workforce is stronger than ever because we are investing directly in students and the programs that prepare them for success,” FDOE Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said in the release. “This $40 million investment expands opportunities across the state, giving students access to cutting-edge training and ensuring Florida remains the best place to build a career.”
SF received the largest award among Florida’s state colleges.
According to the release, SF intends to use the funds “to support training toward a Production Technician certificate, which will allow completers to find jobs in manufacturing, while working toward the college’s new Engineering Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Associates in Science Degree,” provided at the newly-opened Cellon Institute on the Northwest Campus.
Funding from the Workforce CAP grant will also be used to purchase a state-of-the-art, expandable mobile classroom and lab, the release said, which will allow SF to offer the Certified Production Technician program at a minimum of one or more SF centers, as well as acquire training tools and computers, curriculum development and related needs.
“This grant will have a significant impact on our delivery of education throughout the communities we serve and enable us to expand educational opportunities into rural areas with our new, state-of-the-art mobile teaching labs,” Santa Fe College President Dr. Paul Broadie II said in the release. “I want to thank the Commissioner and the Department of Education for supporting us as we meet the needs of today’s workforce need for highly-skilled employees. Students who complete the program will be able to pursue the high-wage, high-growth opportunities that will allow them to thrive right here at home.”