At a glance
“This grant will allow us to expand the great work we are doing in these programs already. I am looking forward to adding skilled professionals to a much-needed career path.”
Steve Mauro
ASC’s program “Jobs that Pay” is part of a $68.2 million award package that will expand Truck & Diesel and Heavy Equipment Operations program to create a pipeline of workers in the heavy equipment industry for coal-impacted communities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties.
Alfred State has been awarded $1,998,370 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand Truck & Diesel and Heavy Equipment Operations programs to create a pipeline of qualified workers in heavy equipment operations and maintenance. This new initiative will raise awareness of good-paying jobs and increase recruitment among middle and high school students across Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. Simultaneously, Alfred State will have increased capacity in their associate degree programs in Truck & Diesel and Heavy Equipment Operations and provide more hands-on learning including quick-to-earn microcredentials for both traditional students and existing workers looking to upskill in these areas.
Appalachian Regional Commission Press Release
Congressman Nick Langworthy Press Release
This award is part of a recently announced $68.2 million award package supporting 65 projects in 188 coal-impacted counties through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
Over the course of three years, it is anticipated that this program will assist one hundred students graduate with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in heavy equipment operation or truck and diesel technician, over two thousand middle and high school students will learn about careers in the field, and nearly three-hundred workers will earn a microcredential.
“ARC’s POWER initiative supports coal-impacted communities' preparation for the next phase of Appalachia’s economy, while ensuring that residents have a say in the course of their own futures” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The investments announced in this round of POWER will help train workers, advance new industries, and build upon the progress already being made toward a brighter future full of economic opportunity for our region.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission,” commented Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro. “This grant will allow us to expand the great work we are doing in these programs already. I am looking forward to adding skilled professionals to a much-needed career path.”
Mauro continued, “I would like to thank ARC, Congressman Nick Langworthy, and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their support as we continue to supply workforce development to our region.”
“Businesses in the Southern Tier face a shortage of skilled workers, and this program can create new opportunities for local students and workers to gain the skills necessary to meet the growing demands of these industries," said Congressman Langworthy. “This investment will ensure that our region has a steady pipeline of talent for the heavy equipment and trucking sectors, paving the way for new economic growth. I will always be a voice in Washington for workforce development and I'm proud to support schools like Alfred State, who do great work in preparing students for successful careers.”
Including today’s award package, ARC has invested over $484.7 million in 564 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties since POWER was established in 2015. ARC’s investments have helped create or retain nearly 54,000 jobs and prepare nearly 170,000 workers and students for new opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband, tourism, and other growing industries.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.