Florida Construction News staff writer
More than $7.5 million has been awarded to support a large-scale rapid credentialing effort at three state colleges, two technical colleges, and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs).
Also, $1 million will support emergency management personnel, national guardsmen, and community members recovering from Hurricane Ian. Organizations awarded today include the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, the Florida National Guard Foundation, and three community foundations.
“Florida will continue to see dynamic investments that create solutions and break down silos to better support communities,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Secretary Dane Eagle. “Today’s awards will go a long way for Southwest Florida communities that are still working to get back on their feet following Hurricane Ian, and I look forward to the opportunities these programs will create for Floridians.”
Funding will boost rapid credentialing programs in welding, logistics, and aviation maintenance throughout the impacted counties in Southwest Florida.
“Hurricane Ian caused unimaginable loss to families across Southwest Florida,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Some will have to completely start over and others will have to go to significant lengths to mitigate the financial impact. This funding will allow our educational institutions to lighten the burden and transform lives through workforce education.”
$7.7 million for rapid credentialing programs:
- State College of Florida ($2,940,000) – for the commercial driver license credentialing program.
- Florida Southwestern College (1,980,000) – for information technology credentialing programs.
- South Florida State College ($618,842) – for commercial driver license, welding, and tractor programs.
- Fort Myers Technical College ($973,000) – for diesel maintenance mechanic and Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) programs.
- $482,000 through the Governor’s Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support credentialing program equipment needs across the five awarded educational institutions.
- $1 million to CareerSource Suncoast, CareerSource Heartland, and CareerSource Southwest Florida to provide training and support for rapid credentialing programs.
The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities.