Department of Education provides money to improve career training and community colleges

The U.S. Department of Education has announced $500 million in grants aimed at improving the job training and development community college students receive, especially those who are changing careers. The funds are part of a larger $2 billion commitment the Obama administration has made to help boost career opportunities for the unemployed.

“Making it possible for unemployed Americans to return to work is a top priority of President Obama’s. This initiative is about providing access to training that leads to real jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “These federal grants will enable community colleges, employers and other partners to prepare job candidates, through innovative programs, for new careers in high-wage, high-skills fields, including advanced manufacturing, transportation, health care and STEM occupations.”

The initiative, which is aimed at providing additional career training and community college assistance, also helps the nation move toward President Barack Obama’s goal for every American to have at least one year of post-secondary education.

“The president knows that building a well-educated workforce is critical to reviving and strengthening the American economy,” said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “These grants will help community colleges and businesses work together to give students the skills they need to compete for good jobs in growing industries.”

Thirty-two community colleges will receive a share of $2.5 million to use toward career training programs. The grants will pair each institution with a business in order to help make sure the programs are preparing students to meet industry needs as well as strengthen technology-assisted learning. The grants will also help promote and prepare more Americans for high-quality jobs in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, which are industries that encompass a healthy amount of the nation’s future jobs.