The federal-state economic development partnership Delta Regional Authority is awarding $256,580 in grants to two western Kentucky workforce programs, which economic development leaders tout will build on the region’s economy.
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) in a Monday press release announced both the Green River Area Development District in Owensboro and West Kentucky Community & Technical College in Paducah will receive grants to support their workforce programs. DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell said in a statement the move would “support workforce development.”
“Green River Area Development District and West Kentucky Community & Technical College both demonstrated a commitment to building a skilled workforce in Kentucky by collaborating with industry partners to develop innovative strategies that will ultimately strengthen the region’s economic outlook.” he said.
Green River Area Development District will use the funding to support their Hire to Operate (H2O) project through the Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. H2O plans to train apprentices to become certified Water/Wastewater Systems Operation Specialists with technical instruction as well as on-the-job training. Ten individuals in Henderson, McLean, Union, and Webster counties will be trained in this program. The DRA awarded $150,000 to the district.
West Kentucky Community & Technical College will use the grant for its Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Accelerated Bridge program. The program will use online courses, simulation labs, and mentoring to help participants complete the RN program in a year. The program hopes to increase the number of registered nurses entering the workforce, as well as improve employment opportunities. The grant is expected to train up to 45 licensed practical nurses. The DRA awarded $106,580 to WKCTC.
The DRA awarded 13 grants in six states total, including grants to three initiatives in Tennessee.
The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership established by Congress in 2000. The organization focuses on promoting industry-related workforce development programs and initiatives within the Alabama Black Belt and lower Mississippi River Delta regions.
