Trocaire Awarded $674K Empire State Development Workforce Development Challenge Grant
Funding will be used to upskill region’s workforce by closing technology skills gap to meet local employers’ short- and long-term IT and cybersecurity needs
Trocaire College was recently awarded a $674,162 grant through Empire State Development’s Round 2 Workforce Development Challenge. The funding will be used to expand Trocaire’s Career Reboot program, creating a model for serving diverse populations and employer needs with a sustainable information technology (IT) and cybersecurity talent pipeline.
“Thank you, Empire State Development, for recognizing Trocaire’s holistic approach to workforce development and our proven track record of helping to empower underserved, diverse populations who wish to transform their lives with education,” said Dr. Bassam M. Deeb, president, Trocaire College. “Our distinctive Career Reboot program addresses the region’s growing workforce needs by providing the IT and cybersecurity skills training that is currently not available, affordable or accessible in our region.”
Trocaire has identified regional employment partners in healthcare, education, insurance, legal/accounting, financial services, manufacturing, and other sectors that seek skilled IT employees or who wish to upskill current employees in IT and cybersecurity. Trocaire is also working with regional agencies to serve targeted underserved populations who need additional training for career opportunities.
The project’s goal is to train participants in the next two years with entry-level skills for potential careers in IT and cybersecurity. Trocaire’s training, certifications, and related support services will be provided at no cost to participants, accessible through in-person and online delivery formats at both Trocaire’s South Buffalo campus and the Trocaire Technology Institute on Transit Road in Williamsville. Wraparound soft skills and career services will also be included.
“Trocaire College has been a mainstay in the South Buffalo community for more than six decades, and has had a significant economic impact in the community, with nearly 100% of its students drawing from the Buffalo-Niagara region,” said New York State Senator Tim Kennedy. “I was proud to advocate for this funding, because I wholeheartedly believe it will build on significant investments Trocaire has already made academically and enhance career opportunities for students in the growing fields of cybersecurity and information technology.”
“This grant will allow Trocaire College to help address an important need for regional IT and cybersecurity training by providing career opportunities for targeted underserved, underemployed, and employed populations,” said New York State Senator Patrick Gallivan. “It also helps address the need employers face in finding skilled tech workers in the region.”
“The COVID crisis has caused a dramatic shift in our economy and workforce needs. That’s why we need to invest in job training to help working people adjust to the post-COVID economy,” said New York State Assemblymember Monica Wallace. “This funding will allow Trocaire College to provide that training for workers and help address a severe and growing shortage in our cybersecurity workforce. Thank you to Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, and our private sector partners for investing in working people.”
“I want to also express our gratitude to our state elected officials who have been so supportive of Trocaire College through the years,” Dr. Deeb added. “We are fortunate to have such strong advocates on our behalf in the New York State Legislature.”
About Trocaire College
Founded in 1958 in Buffalo, NY by the Sisters of Mercy, Trocaire College is a private, career-oriented Catholic college that strives to empower students toward personal enrichment, dignity and self-worth through education. Trocaire offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates and workforce development programs in healthcare, business, hospitality and technology. Recognizing the individual needs of a diverse student body, Trocaire College provides life learning and development within a community-based environment, preparing students for service in the universal community. Visit www.staging.trocaire.edu for more information and follow Trocaire on Facebook and Twitter.
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