Independence Community College received a grant for $1,032,565 from the Department of Education Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED).
“ICC is committed to increasing graduate employability and job placement for all students,” said Dr. Vincent Bowhay, ICC President. “This grant is an exciting way for us to continue to serve Southeast Kansas families and businesses.”
The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through the development of high-quality career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.
ICC plans to utilize grant funds to aid in recruitment efforts, over the next three years, targeting rural students in Southeast Kansas and bordering school districts and help provide career and academic advisement and placement.
Grant funds will also be used to develop relationships with area workforce services to identify employer needs and promote internships, apprenticeships, and other on-the-job training for students and area employers.
“The ultimate goal is to provide more opportunities for meaningful career and employment training, in Rural America,” said Taylor Crawshaw, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I am thrilled that ICC will be able to reach students with the grant. This will allow area students to obtain their academic goals within higher education, closer to home, while helping to reduce barriers regarding college entry and completion.”