Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced $1 million in funding from the Department of Education for Housatonic Community College (HCC). Congressman Himes joined Housatonic Community College CEO Dr. Dwayne Smith, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Terrence Cheng, and Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie. The funding will be used to expand HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing training program in the Greater Bridgeport and Lower Naugatuck Valley regions.

“Connecticut is home to a robust advanced manufacturing industry because of our well-trained and dynamic workforce educated by institutions like HCC,” said Himes.  “The expansion of HCC’s nine-month certificate program means more students will have the opportunity to gain the cutting-edge manufacturing skills that are increasingly in-demand across Connecticut and nationwide. I’m proud to have secured this funding that will ensure HCC has the support it needs to continue its mission to prepare students for an increasingly competitive world.”

“It is certainly a great day for Housatonic Community College,” said Housatonic Community College CEO, Dr. Dwayne Smith. “The one million dollars will be transformative for Housatonic and particularly for our advanced manufacturing program. This appropriation will provide greater opportunities for more of Connecticut’s citizens to gain the necessary credentials for the workforce.”

“This is a huge step forward for Housatonic and for the manufacturing community in greater Bridgeport,” Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Terrence Cheng said. “We know that Connecticut desperately needs skilled manufacturing employees, and this earmark will help meet that need by expanding Housatonic’s manufacturing center. We greatly appreciate Congressman Himes for fighting to secure this critical funding.”

“The state’s manufacturing sector is growing, and will continue to do so as long as our pipeline of skilled workers meets employer demand. Investments like this one are critical to developing new manufacturing talent and ultimately putting our companies in a better position to compete, grow and innovate over the long-term,” said Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer.

The funding will be allocated for Fiscal Year 2022, which began on October 1, 2021. Housatonic Community College is one of ten community projects that Congressman Himes secured funding for through the 2022 appropriations bills, bringing more than $12 million to the 4th district over the next year. This investment will help Housatonic Community College leverage its local partnerships and degree programs to ensure that students have successful careers, help employers fill open positions, and strengthen Connecticut's manufacturing pipeline. Learn more about Housatonic Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center here.

For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.

###