Strada Education Network Employer and Community College Partnership Challenge

Duration: Two-year grant

Geographic Scope: West Georgia Technical College and LaGrange service area

Purpose:
This grant supports innovative collaborations between community colleges and employers to expand proven partnerships that connect learners to education and in-demand employment opportunities while strengthening local economies.

Project Goals:

• Strengthen employer partnerships with local businesses in the LaGrange service area
• Connect learners with education and in-demand employment opportunities
• Develop a regional workforce training center
• Improve employment and socioeconomic outcomes after degree or credential completion for students who historically face significant barriers to economic mobility

Eligibility: Community colleges with established employer partnerships and innovative collaboration models

Partners in WGTC's Project:

• West Georgia Technical College (grant recipient)
• Local businesses in LaGrange service area
• Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) - facilitation
• Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) - support system

Community of Practice: WGTC also participates with Strada in a community of practice to learn from other select community college-employer partnerships around the country

Other Grant Recipients: 10 additional community colleges across the United States received grants under this initiative:

• Broward College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Carl Albert State College, Sallisaw, Oklahoma
• Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, Rhode Island
• Green River College, Auburn, Washington
• Honolulu Community College, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, Indiana
• MiraCosta College, North San Diego County, California
• Pima County Community College, Tucson, Arizona
• Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Surry Community College, Dobson, North Carolina

Funder Background:
Strada Education Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people take advantage of education and training after high school that helps them secure a good job, do meaningful work, and contribute to their communities. Strada supports learners beyond completion of a certificate or degree through research, charitable grants, and social impact investments.