Montgomery College Awarded $4 Million TechHire Grant by U.S. Department of Labor

Montgomery College is one of 39 awardees of TechHire partnership grants announced by the United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) at the end of June. Intended to launch innovative training and job placement models as a means of advancing career pathways and creating new jobs for local economies, the TechHire grant will enable Montgomery College to offer training and support to 400 or more people across Montgomery County. The TechHire Montgomery (THM) project will build on the foundation of the DOLETA funded Cyber-Technology Pathways Across Maryland (CPAM) consortium in which Montgomery College is the lead organization of a 14-member community college consortium enhancing cyber-technology career opportunities throughout the state. This new grant-funded program represents a coordinated effort between Montgomery College, the Tech Council of Maryland, WorkSource Montgomery, Inc., and employers including Atlantech Online, Attronica, Infosys Public Services, Inc. and VariQ to offer training and supports that lead to middle- and high-skilled information technology (IT) jobs for special populations that face barriers to training and employment opportunities, particularly limited English proficiency individuals. THM training will lead to occupations in three IT pathways: 1) Information Support and Services, 2) Networking, and 3) Programming and Software. Participants, depending on specific needs, may receive support services including English language skills development, soft skills training or cultural support training, financial coaching and/or support for certification and testing. This partnership continues to build upon Montgomery College's commitment to economic development, growing the knowledge economy of the region by expanding the highly trained workforce, collaborating with government and industry, and expanding the opportunity for well-paid jobs in Montgomery County. TechHire Montgomery (THM) joins InfoSys, Tech Leap, BioTrain, BioTrac, and MI-BEST (Maryland Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training), among others as excellent resources for the members of our community including students and employers.