$50,000 planning grant awarded to University of Cincinnati Clermont College from Appalachian Regional Commission
UC Clermont will use the recently awarded grant to coordinate a three-county program to help displaced coal industry workers with education and employment in the field of supply chain and logistics.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) named University of Cincinnati Clermont College as recipient of a $50,000 grant through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative. The grant will fund Adapting to Change: Powering Up Tomorrow's Workforce, a collaborative program led by UC Clermont College bringing together organizations in Clermont, Adams, and Brown counties. The program will offer a regional employment and training program in logistics and supply chain management.
Partners like the Adams County Economic and Community Development, the Brown County Department of Economic Development, and Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development, along with area career training centers, will collaborate to help displaced workers from the coal industries and local employers trying to fill current positions. UC Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer said in a news release, "UC Clermont is proud to lead a regional consortium in developing plans for retraining displaced coal workers for logistics and supply chain jobs that are expanding in our area."
ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin commented on the changing economy in Appalachia, saying, "The downturn of the coal industry has impacted economies across Appalachia. That's why ARC's POWER initiative helps to leverage regional partnerships and collaborations to support efforts to create a more vibrant economic future for coal-impacted communities. Many of the projects we announced today will invest in educating and training the Appalachian workforce, nurturing entrepreneurship and supporting infrastructure — including broadband access. These investments in our Appalachian coal-impacted communities are critical in leveling the economic playing field so our communities can thrive."