OTC among recipients of state career, technical education grants

Gov. Mike Parson this morning announced millions of dollars’ worth of career and technical education grants that impact institutions in the Springfield area.

The Ozarks Technical Community College Career Center, Dallas County Technical Center in Buffalo, Gibson Technical Center in Reeds Spring and Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett each were picked for $400,000 grants, according to a news release. The Missouri’s Area Career Center Opportunity funding comes from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support Missouri Career and Technical Education programs.

"Career and technical education is critical to our workforce development goals here in the state of Missouri," Parson said in the release. "Every day the necessity for a post-secondary degree, trade or industry-recognized credential is growing for good-paying jobs across the state, and we want to support Missourians as they seek to learn new skills, especially in our career and technical education programs."

Funds are earmarked for technical education centers to boost their capacity to increase students' knowledge and skills needed to gain employment in current or emerging fields, continue their education or retrain for new business and industry opportunities. Selected grant recipients must match 25% of the Missouri’s Area Career Center Opportunity funds.

Beyond the Springfield region, Carthage Technical Center, Crowder College Technical Education Center in Neosho, Franklin Technology Center in Joplin and Lebanon Technology and Career Center each were chosen for $400,000 grants.