Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $47,343 grant to help provide ground-floor employment opportunities for students interested in the health-care field.
The Appalachian Regional Commission grant will enable Calhoun Community College in Tanner to establish a non-credit certified nursing assistant training program. The four-week training program is designed for people seeking immediate, entry-level employment at a low cost in the healthcare field while addressing a growing shortage of nursing assistants.
“As a former educator, my passion has always been to encourage students to find a passion that will lead to a strong career,” Ivey said. “Nursing is a high calling, and I am pleased to support this program at Calhoun Community College which will offer students the opportunity to open the door to this demanding and rewarding field.”
Calhoun Community College administrators anticipate that more than 86 percent of the expected 255 people that enroll in the course during the first three years will earn certificates and successfully find jobs.
ARC funds will purchase equipment and supplies needed to establish the program. Additional funds of $54,960 have been pledged for the program.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“With her background as a teacher, Gov. Ivey knows the value of a good education and the impact it can have on someone’s life,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Both Gov. Ivey and I are thankful for the partnership involving our state, the ARC program and Calhoun Community College to improve lives and make better communities by offering this new training program.”
Thirty-seven counties in Alabama are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds which could be eliminated under current federal budget proposals.
ADECA also manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
Ivey notified Dr. James Klauber, president of Calhoun Community College, that the grant had been approved.
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