Foothills F.O.R.W.A.R.D. - facilitating an occupation-ready workforce by addressing regional demands

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education awarded a $2,227,338 Project Grant to Mcdowell Technical Community College under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (CFDA 84.116) program. The grant, effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027, supports the "FOOTHILLS F.O.R.W.A.R.D." initiative, which facilitates an occupation-ready workforce by addressing regional demands through workforce training programs and career education. The college also received funding to renovate a downtown building into a workforce training center offering certifications in manufacturing, construction, and trail development. Additionally, the grant supports remote learning capabilities, student support services, registration and retention processes, adult education and literacy programs, disaster recovery efforts, and the implementation of innovative practices developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sub-recipient, Mcdowell Technical Community College has engaged in federal adult education, literacy, corrections education, and integrated education and training activities.