Federal Funding to Boost Advanced Manufacturing Training

Press Release

TERRE HAUTE -- Federal funding to support Ivy Tech Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center in Terre Haute has just become a reality. President Barack Obama has signed into law this funding as part of an Omnibus spending measure for FY 2010. Representative Brad Ellsworth submitted the budget request on behalf of Ivy Tech Community College.

Ivy Tech will receive $600,000 to purchase equipment and to cover related expenses for its new Center. To date, Ivy Tech has invested nearly $6 million in the Advanced Manufacturing Center, which is part of Ivy Tech's Center for Workforce Development. The new center focuses on computer integrated manufacturing and combines coursework in manufacturing, industrial maintenance, electronics and design to meet local manufacturers' needs. In addition, the Advanced Manufacturing Center provides short-term training opportunities to area industries, aiming to further develop the skills of the local workforce.

"Particularly in these tough economic times, it's imperative that Indiana can offer a well-educated, highly-skilled workforce to new companies looking to relocate and invest in our communities. These funds will move us closer to that goal; helping Hoosiers learn the tools and techniques necessary to bring job opportunities to West-Central Indiana," said Ellsworth.

“This funding will give us a strong boost and move this important initiative forward in a significant way for the benefit of our students and the State of Indiana as a whole,” states Ivy Tech Community College President, Thomas J. Snyder. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Ellsworth’s recognition of the Center’s potential for improving the skills of our students and positioning them to fill critical workforce needs.”

“I am very proud of the role Ivy Tech Community College plays in working with local employers and community leaders to meet the educational needs of our workforce. It is their support and leadership that assists us in meeting the educational needs of the Wabash Valley and throughout the State of Indiana,” said Dr. Jeff Pittman, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College - Wabash Valley Region. “We are especially appreciative to Congressman Ellsworth for keeping workforce education needs at the top of Indiana’s ever growing list of priorities.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 130,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Source: Ivy Tech Community College