Columbia State Community College has been selected by the American Association of Community Colleges to partner with General Motors to support its advanced manufacturing program with financial and technical resources.
In order to support Columbia State Community College’s advanced manufacturing credentialing program, the school has been selected by the American Association of Community Colleges for a partnership grant from General Motors.
In an article on Columbia State’s website, the community college’s President Dr. Janet F. Smith talked about the partnership, saying, “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for Columbia State to increase our partnership with General Motors. It's looking forward to identifying the training needs and programs for a changing manufacturing industry. We're excited to work alongside of GM and to be one of the seven community colleges nationally selected to participate.”
Seven other community colleges around the nation are included in the partnership as well, and they will all share best practices for integrating the credentials for advanced manufacturing. General Motors Corporate Giving provides the American Association of Community Colleges with a $600,000 grant. Each of the community colleges involved in the partnership will receive $40,000 from that grant.
Anton Busuttil, the general director of operations, revenue growth, and efficiency-focused leadership at General Motors, talked about the grant, saying, “We're innovating forward, and I think it's a really good opportunity for us to have this partnership. This grant allows the American Association of Community Colleges to study and share best practices on manufacturing nationwide. I'm very excited for the opportunity to strengthen this partnership as we move forward.”
The community colleges on the receiving end of this grant are set to participate in a study to elevate students into a higher skill set, which should bring them higher wage opportunities. The AACC will give the colleges technical assistance and develop collateral to be offered through the elevating skills training programs for advanced manufacturing.
The president and CEO of the AACC Walter Bumphus said of the program: “Our community colleges are the key link between students and meaningful career paths. Working with respected leaders in the manufacturing industry such as General Motors will allow us to ensure that there is a solid bridge between skills education and the skills needed to succeed in today’s modern manufacturing facilities.”
More information about Columbia State Community College can be found at the school’s website.