Red Rock On Air

The United States Department of Education is awarding Pine Technical College $200,000  to benefit working adults and displaced workers pursuing degrees or credentials in community colleges.

The money, which was announced on October 9th,  comes from $11.25 million in grants for 29 projects across the country.  The grants are intended for  preparing adult learners with the marketable skills and knowledge to address employer needs in high-growth occupations.

In a press release, Secretary of the Department of Education Arne Duncan said, “The Obama Administration is committed to helping displaced workers and adult learners garner the training and support they need to succeed in the workplace, especially during these trying economic times.”  He added,  “These grants give community colleges an opportunity to tailor their activities and instruction to meet the unique needs of adult learners, many of whom must retrain to re-enter the 21st century workforce with newly honed skills.”

Funding is for two years of the three-year projects. The third year will be funded in fiscal year 2011.