The agreement provides funding to grand rapids community college

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program (CFDA 66.445) to Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) on August 1, 2024. The purpose of the grant is to accelerate career tracks in the water utilities sector and provide access to water utility workforce opportunities.

The key activities include establishing regional industry and workforce development collaborations to address water utility employment needs, coordinating candidate development - particularly in areas of high unemployment or for water utilities with a high proportion of retirement-eligible employees. Sub-awardees, such as the City of Grand Rapids and local community colleges, will assist in managing the project, providing internships, and delivering K-12 curriculum to spur interest in water careers. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced sustainable regional collaborations that support the long-term water utility workforce needs, benefiting individuals, utilities, and underserved communities.

Specifically, the recipient will accelerate career tracks in the water utilities sector and provide access to water utility workforce opportunities. Activities:the activities include establishing regional industry and workforce development collaborations to address water utility employment needs, and coordinating candidate development, particularly in areas of high unemployment or for water utilities, with a high proportion of retirement-eligible employees. Subrecipient:the city of grand rapids will provide a water career program manager to help manage activities for the project partnership aspect of the program. The cities of wyoming, muskegon heights, holland, and plainfield charter township will assign an internship coordinator for the project. BAY college and muskegon community college will assign a staff liaison to fulfill tasks for the project partnership section of the program.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include establishment of new partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, labor organizations, utilities, or other organizations to address the workforce needs of water utilities. The expected outcomes include enhanced sustainable regional collaborations that support the long-term water utility workforce needs. The intended beneficiaries include individuals who participate in the program, the general public, utilities, and underserved communities.