WASHINGTON, DC – Maine’s congressional delegation announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will award more than $13 million in grants to Maine community colleges to improve access to training opportunities in information technology (IT) in order to meet the growing demand for skilled IT workers across a range of industries. The funding will go to a consortium made up of Maine’s seven community colleges in strategic partnership with employers, workforce development agencies, industry associations, and other institutions of higher education. The statewide initiative is called “Maine is IT!” and is expected to serve over 2,000 unemployed and under-employed Mainers. Additional details can be found here.

“This is exactly the type of investment in our economy that we need right now. This initiative will not only help workers in our state take that next step in their careers, but it will provide training that can be directly applied to positions that Maine employers are desperately trying to fill. This is truly a win-win for Maine workers and businesses, and it’s a model that should be built upon moving forward,” said Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Angus King, Rep. Mike Michaud and Rep. Chellie Pingree in a joint statement today praising the announcement.

The grants announced today are part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program, which promotes skills development and employment opportunities through partnerships between training providers and local employers. DOL is implementing and administering the program in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education.

The following community colleges will be awarded funding:

• Central Maine Community College: $4,668,250
• Eastern Maine Community College: $1,422,710
• Kennebec Valley Community College: $2,161,343
• Northern Maine Community College: $153,121
• Southern Maine Community College: $3,164,830
• Washington County Community College: $404,158
• York County Community College: $1,098,323

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