Dallas College: Two State Grants Totaling $2.5 Million To Help Train New Workers At Dallas College

Dallas TX

30 December, 2021

11:15 PM

Description

Press release from Dallas College: Dec. 14, 2021 (DALLAS) — New opportunities for the next generation of high-tech workers are being created with the help of two state grants totaling $2.5 million, changing the trajectory of students at Dallas College who either want to launch a new vocation or find a more a rewarding career. As part of a consortium with Tarrant County College and Paris Junior College, Dallas College will create an information technology workforce pipeline across the region from Hunt, Dallas and Tarrant counties. That project recently received $2 million from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The award toward upskilling and reskilling students for in-demand jobs aligns technology pathways with the needs of the workforce. That means readying more workers for careers in cybersecurity, information technology and cloud computing, said Gloria Smith, associate vice chancellor for career connected learning at Dallas College. "This collaboration allows us to shape the workforce pipeline," she said. "If you look a map, [the] DFW region includes Hunt, Dallas and Tarrant counties — a huge swath that needs a talent pipeline that will connect individuals to opportunities. This consortium will enhance, develop, align and implement IT microcredentials to strengthen course and program offerings across the region. We really want to create a network of services so we can partner with other community colleges, especially those in rural areas." Information technology has become one of the most rapidly growing areas of employment opportunities. The DFW metroplex is a major financial and telecommunications hub, so cybersecurity professionals are always highly sought-after in this region to identify, analyze and mitigate system network threats, she added. This press release was produced by Dallas College. The views expressed here are the author's own.