Rep. Maloney hails $20 million Federal job-training grant for NYC community colleges

New York, NY – U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Queens) applauded a $19.86 million federal grant awarded today to City University of New York’s community colleges that will help them train workers who want to change careers – a vital need during this time of high unemployment.  This grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, will fund CUNY’s Career PATH (Preparation for Adults through Training & Higher Education) program, which provides instructional programs -including basic academic and English language courses- that meet specific industry needs. 

The program also includes short-term occupational training and a “virtual enterprise simulation” to give students hands-on experience. This grant is part of the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training program, a $2 billion, four-year initiative to support partnerships between community colleges and employers.  Community colleges receiving grant funding include LaGuardia Community College, which is located in Maloney’s district, along with Queensborough Community College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, Bronx Community College, College of Staten Island, Hostos Community College, Kingsborough Community College, and New York City College of Technology.  Every community college that receives grant funding must have at least one employer partner – a sponsor that has jobs available and needs workers trained to fill them.

“Far too many New Yorkers are struggling in the aftermath of the Great Recession – so I am heartened that our community colleges will soon be getting $20 million in federal funding to help train New Yorkers who need to change careers.  This grant will provide New Yorkers with industry-specific training and pathways to good jobs.  I thank President Obama and Labor Secretary Solis for delivering this much-needed funding to New York,” Maloney said.

“It’s also clear that we must work together to pass President Obama’s jobs bill, which would cut payroll taxes for both businesses and workers, giving New York families an extra $1,500 per year; create jobs by investing in our transportation infrastructure; and support hiring thousands of teachers, cops, and firefighters.  Every one of the proposals in the President’s bill has had bipartisan support in the past – and with our economy hanging in the balance, there’s no reason for anyone to stand in the way of this jobs bill now.  I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to work with us, pass this bill, and help address the number-one issue on the minds of the American people: job creation.”