Augusta Technical College Awarded $500,000 Grant by U.S. Department of Energy for Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP)
The grant, spanning from 2023 to 2027, aims to bolster the nation's nuclear security workforce by fostering a diverse and highly skilled pool of students.
|
For Immediate Release |
|
|
|
Media Contact | Original Press Release | AugustaCEO Article | WRDW Article |
|
Kimberly Holden
|
|
Augusta Technical College Awarded $500,000 Grant by U.S.
Department of Energy for Minority Serving Institutions
Partnership Program (MSIPP)
Augusta, GA - January 4, 2024
Augusta Technical College is proud to announce its selection as one of five higher education institutions to receive a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP) and Tribal Education Partnership Program (TEPP). The grant, spanning from 2023 to 2027, aims to bolster the nation's nuclear security workforce by fostering a diverse and highly skilled pool of students.
In collaboration with the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Augusta Technical College will enhance its Nuclear Engineering Technology program curriculum. The initiative includes the addition of radiation control and radiation protection modules, the establishment of an apprenticeship program at SRNL, and early student engagement through site visits, hands-on learning experiences, and a summer internship program after the second semester.
Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston, Provost of Augusta Technical College, expressed gratitude to SRNL, Nuclear Engineering Technology faculty, and the Savannah River Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO). The college has a successful track record in securing Department of Energy grants since 2011, with support from SRSCRO's Advancing Nuclear Skills Regionally (ANSR) and Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers (WORC) grants.
In addition to Augusta Technical College, the grant has been awarded to four other institutions: College of Southern Nevada, Queensborough Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, and Las Positas College. This collaborative effort seeks to fortify the pipeline of talent contributing to America's nuclear security.
“Augusta Tech is honored to receive this funding in support of expanding our nation’s energy workforce. With increased retirements and an aging workforce, training highly skilled workers is critical to maintaining and advancing energy initiatives forward," stated College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl.
###
About Augusta Technical College
Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit augustatech.edu.