State Representative Laura Hoydick (R-120) joined in the unveiling of $17.8 million grant at theHousatonicCommunity Collegeon Friday afternoon. The grant will be used to create theHCCRegionalAdvancedManufacturingCenterfor Southwestern Connecticut at the community college located inBridgeport.
The new center will enable the community college to expand its manufacturing education abilities, and give students first class instruction in today’s modern manufacturing skills. A lab, engineering and design studio and welding lab will be developed through the grant.
“This is a regional triumph in trying to revitalize our manufacturing centers and the skilled labor force that powers them,” said Rep. Hoydick. “I was proud to be a part of a bipartisan team of local leaders and legislators that recognize the importance of revitalizing our manufacturing capacity in this region, and doing all we can to support the development of a workforce that makes that possible in this new century.”
Hoydick said that the grant helps place a focus on the community through advanced manufacturing education for high school and college students as well as transitional workers through an institution that is a resource to a traditionally underserved population.
The room full of advocates at the unveiling included State Representatives Tony Hwang (R-134), Brenda Kupchick (R-132), T.R. Rowe (R-122), State Senator Edwin Gomes (D-Bridgeport), HCC President Anita Glienicki, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Academic Dean of HCC Elizabeth Roop, and WorkPlace, Inc. President Joseph Carbone, Valley Chamber President Bill Purcell, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, and BRBC CEO Paul Timpanelli.
