Jefferson College Awarded $3.9 Million to Lead Federal Grant
Jefferson College has been awarded a $3.9 million grant from the Department of Labor to spearhead a consortium of Missouri schools in the establishment of apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing, nursing, and teacher education over the next four years. The consortium includes Jefferson College, Mineral Area College, Three Rivers College, East Central College, and Central Methodist University.
"This grant represents a significant opportunity for Jefferson College to lead in the implementation of vital apprenticeship programs that will strengthen our local workforce and provide students with valuable, hands-on experience in high-demand fields," said Dr. Dena McCaffrey, President of Jefferson College.
The Department of Labor has awarded over $244 million through two grant programs to modernize, diversify, and expand the Registered Apprenticeship system in growing U.S. industries. Nearly $195 million is part of the second round of the Apprenticeship Building America 2 (ABA2) initiative, which supports public-private partnerships across a range of industries and demographics.
The ABA2 program aims to expand the use of Pre-Apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships in in-demand fields such as teacher education, nursing, and advanced manufacturing. This initiative is designed to help build a skilled and diverse workforce supporting communities across the country through 52 grantees located in 32 states.
“Receiving this funding is a game-changer for apprenticeships at Jefferson College and the southeast region of Missouri. It allows us to provide comprehensive training and real-world experience to our students, preparing them for successful careers while also meeting the workforce needs in our region.” said Chris DeGeare, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Jefferson College.
Higher education and apprenticeships are both critical components in preparing individuals for the modern workforce. By combining academic knowledge with practical experience, these programs provide comprehensive training that is essential for career success. Together, higher education and apprenticeships create a robust pathway for individuals to achieve their career goals, support economic growth, and meet the evolving needs of the workforce. The partnership between educational institutions and industry leaders is essential in fostering innovation, closing skills gaps, and building a more inclusive and competent workforce for the future.
The Missouri Southeast Pathways to Work (MoSEPWork) consortium includes community colleges and a four-year college that have collaborated in the advanced manufacturing, teacher education, and nursing pathways. Category 2 of the ABA2 grant focuses on creating education system-aligned Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Recipients will partner with employers and other stakeholders to launch programs that offer high-quality apprenticeship training to workers, including those from underrepresented populations and underserved communities.
