ICC is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $740,000 as part of the Kansas Department of Commerce's Delivering Residents and Workforce (DRAW) program. The grant is a significant contribution towards the nearly $10 million distributed among 26 deserving recipients for training and workforce development initiatives in high-demand and high-wage industries.
The DRAW program, launched earlier this year by the Commerce Department, aims to bolster the talent pipeline in Kansas by providing essential resources and funding for skill development in targeted sectors. This strategic investment will empower communities to meet the demands of transformative economic development projects and ensure their workforce is equipped with the necessary training to thrive in the ever-evolving job market.
These funds are intended to facilitate impactful capital projects that stimulate regional economic development in industries characterized by high-demand and high wages. Sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology-based businesses are among the primary beneficiaries of this program.
ICC, intends to utilize the allocated funds to enhance on-campus training resources that will provide students with a high-quality education, positioning them for lucrative careers within the local region. By investing in infrastructure and training programs, ICC is reinforcing its dedication to fostering a skilled workforce that meets the demands of high-wage industries.
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland expressed the program's significance, stating, "As Kansas continues to attract transformative economic development projects, it is vital our state's talent pipeline receives the right training to build out the skillsets needed to enjoy successful careers in these targeted sectors. The DRAW program is laser-focused on the state's most critical positions."
Dr. Vincent Bowhay, President of ICC, expressed his gratitude for the investment made by the Kansas Department of Commerce, stating, "ICC is committed to training Kansans for high-demand, high-wage jobs. This generous investment from the Kansas Department of Commerce will help us as we work towards enhancing training facilities that provide a high-quality education right here in Independence."
Recipients of the DRAW program grants have been given a two-year timeline to complete their projects and effectively utilize the awarded funds. The grant funds will be allocated towards various crucial areas, including the construction of on-site training facilities, third-party and vendor training costs for machinery and equipment, salaries directly related to training, machinery and equipment used for training purposes, course development costs, in-house training development services, marketing and communication efforts to attract talent from out-of-state.
With the support of the DRAW program, ICC is eager to strengthen its position as an institution for workforce development in Kansas. The college's commitment to excellence and dedication to training individuals for successful careers aligns perfectly with the program's objective of fostering economic growth through skill enhancement.