SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College has received a $1,186,860 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the Job Corps Scholars Program, a new national demonstration project aimed at providing at-risk youth with job skills instruction, educational opportunities and individualized employment counseling.

CCCC was one of 20 colleges and universities to receive grant funds totaling $24 million.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman said: "CCCC is honored to be awarded this funding from the Department of Labor and I am so proud of the team that developed our proposal. This grant is possible because of the efforts of many college team members dedicated to serving our students. These individuals work every day to enhance the talent pipeline for our current and future employers and to ensure that our local residents can both access and successfully navigate career pathways to employment that supports family sustaining wages. The Job Corps Scholars program will allow YOUR college to continue improving our outreach, empowering individuals through accessible lifelong learning."

CCCC Job Corps participants (youth ages 16-24) will be able to earn an in-demand credential in less than a year and will be eligible for financial assistance in childcare, transportation, and tuition. There will be personal counselors and employment counselors to support their students in the program and then guide them directly into employment following completion.

"This is spectacular for our college and communities," said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, CCCC Vice President, Learning & Workforce Development, and Chief Academic Officer. "We always aim to align our efforts with current and future workforce needs, while reducing barriers so students can achieve their dreams. We are grateful to the Department of Labor for this opportunity. The Job Corps Scholars Program will complement our ongoing strategic efforts that transform students' lives through valuable learning opportunities."

For more information, contact Meghan Brown, CCCC Executive Director of College Access and Strategic Initiatives, at mbrown@cccc.edu.

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.