Independence Community College is awarded a $987,589 in grant funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation to increase STEM and advanced manufacturing careers throughout rural Southeast Kansas.
The Increasing Interest and Employment in STEM Studies and Manufacturing Careers in Rural Areas project will begin on October 15th with the goal to strengthen the connection between education and employment. The grant will help ICC work with regional industries to develop paid internships and apprenticeships in hard-to-fill technical positions. The project is designed to expand those opportunities throughout the three-year grant period while providing students with meaningful, hands-on experience in technical workplaces.
“This project will allow us to strengthen the connection between the classroom and the workforce by helping students develop the skills, certifications and industry connections they need to be successful in technological careers. Just as importantly, we’ll continue working directly with our regional business and industry partners to make sure our curriculum reflects the skills employers need and prepares students for opportunities right here in our region,” said Taylor Crawshaw, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The project will also explore new approaches to mathematics instruction for students pursuing technical careers.
The goal of the program is to increase student interest and success in technological careers, while strengthening connections between classroom instruction and the skills sought by area employers.
