Missouri Community Colleges Champion Workforce Development With Four Major Federal Grants
(Jefferson City, Mo.) The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) has successfully coordinated four major federal grants over the past 12 years, totaling nearly $60 million and impacting the lives of over 20,000 Missourians. These efforts have strengthened the state’s workforce by expanding access to education and developing industry-driven training programs.
The four grants—MoHealthWINS, MoManufacturingWINs, MoSTEMWINs, and MoAMP supported workforce development in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, STEM industries, and apprenticeships. Working closely with employers and focusing on local needs, MCCA exceeded many performance targets, positioning Missouri’s community colleges as national leaders in workforce training.
MoHealthWINS invested nearly $20 million to enhance healthcare training programs. Serving 4,251 participants, the program helped unemployed and academically low-skilled adults gain access to industry-recognized credentials.
MoManufacturingWINs received $14.9 million to address the growing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing. Through partnerships with eight community colleges, 3,295 participants completed programs, with 92% securing jobs. The average wage for employed graduates reached $56,000 annually.
MoSTEMWINs, another $14.9 million investment, focused on STEM education. It engaged 2,935 students, surpassing enrollment targets by 58%. Graduates entered STEM fields in high demand, with 60% employed upon completion.
MoAMP, Missouri’s apprenticeship initiative, secured $12.5 million to expand apprenticeship opportunities in advanced manufacturing. With over 5,800 participants, the program exceeded its goals by 17%, helping to establish 124 new apprenticeship programs statewide.
“These programs have not only surpassed their objectives but have also laid the groundwork for future innovations in workforce development,” said Brian Millner, president and CEO of MCCA. “By continuing to partner with employers, our community colleges are empowering Missourians to succeed in high-demand careers.”
For more information about these grants and MCCA’s ongoing efforts to support Missouri’s workforce, please visit https://members.missouricolleges.org/news/Details/summary-of-mcca-dol-grant-related-efforts-moheatlhwins-momanwins-mostemwins-and-moampwins-234621.