Press Release

August 2, 2010
CARDIN PRESENTS CHECK FOR ALMOST $1.8 MILLION TO HCC TO EXPAND JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
HCC program to provide clean energy jobs of the future

HAGERSTOWN, MD –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today visited Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to present a ceremonial check for almost $1.8 million to expand its training program for jobs in the alternative energy tech industry. HCC began the program last spring with 25 students and the grant will make it possible for HCC to increase the number of students to 675 in a three-year period.
 
“Jobs are the key to our economic recovery and this job training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will make it easier for residents of Washington County who have suffered through the worst recession since the Great Depression to obtain the training they need to get jobs in new, emerging industries,” said
Senator Cardin. “This is a win-win for everyone – for our economy and for Marylanders who want to work but need new skills for a changing job market.”

Hagerstown Community College was awarded $1,794,617 as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Community-Based Job Training grant to expand its training program in clean energy technology, focusing on short-term training, academic support and job placement. The grant will make it possible for 675 unemployed and dislocated workers to earn an associate’s degree in alternative energy or a certificate for solar/wind energy installation through HCC in partnership with local and state agencies as well as energy firms in Western Maryland.

 
“Today, other nations are focused on developing alternative, clean energy and for our nation to remain competitive we must focus on developing a clean energy economy that can provide the jobs that will be needed in the future.”

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