CCC Receives Grant from National Science Foundation

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – Central Community College has received a nearly $648,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The funds will be used to increase the number of minorities and underserved populations in the advanced manufacturing design technology (AMDT) program.

According to the project overview, manufacturing is a leading economic driver across the CCC service area and the demand for highly skilled technicians continues to exceed the supply of graduates. CCC looks to assist participants in obtaining a certificate in plastic engineering technology (PET) by creating a collaborative business and industry leadership team to create interactive materials and a step-by-step guidebook for the growing English language learner (ELL) population of students. Students who earn a short-term certificate could seek an associate degree or enter the workforce over the course of the grant period which runs through July 2027.

“The plastics program at CCC-Columbus is thrilled to be awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation,” said Karl Anderson, director of plastic injection molding. “I plan to use my experience working with English language learners while executing our grant objectives. These objectives will allow us to fine tune our curriculum, lab and outreach efforts into a robust and adaptable program capable of recruiting and training non-native speakers for jobs in the plastics industry. Additionally, this grant will help us serve a dynamic and growing group of students while simultaneously providing interview-ready candidates to regional businesses.”

In recruitment efforts, project staff will strengthen their partnerships with CCC’s adult education program, which served more than 2,300 students from 48 countries who spoke 48 languages during 2023-24. AMDT program administrators will also establish and build on existing relationships with local service agencies and organizations that serve immigrant populations. Some of the organizations include Centro Hispano, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the consulates of Mexico and Guatemala, and local school districts.

“Grand Island Public Schools is thrilled to engage with Central Community College to introduce our students to educational opportunities in plastics technology,” said Dr. Summer E. Stephens, associate superintendent. “This partnership will raise awareness and create opportunities for many students, including English Learners and underserved students, who will benefit from increased access to training and job placement. We look forward to working closely with CCC to promote the plastics program and the potential career paths it offers.”

CCC seeks to enroll up to 40 ELL students in the PET certificate program over the life of the grant consisting of adult education and high school students. To accommodate ELL students, classes will be arranged to accommodate scheduling barriers with summer sessions, accelerated programs, hybrid and alternative scheduling.

“I am excited about this project and building these new partnerships,” said Doug Pauley, associate dean of workforce development and co-principal investigator. “These partners and this group of individuals can help build a skilled workforce for our employers. The English language learners are eager to learn and will continue to be a big part of meeting workforce demands now and in the future.”

“I am proud of the continued trust from the National Science Foundation in funding innovative and life-changing programs at Central Community College,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. “These grants help our students and communities maximize their success through technical careers paying high wages.”