Women in Trades program awarded $300,000 Federal grant
Stephens College is proud to announce that its Women in Trades Construction Pre-Apprenticeship program has been awarded a $300,000 grant through the Highway Construction Training Program (HCTP).
This significant funding, provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered through the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), will strengthen the program’s mission to empower women with the skills and opportunities needed for successful careers in the construction industry, particularly in highway construction and related fields.
“We are honored to receive this $300,000 grant from the Highway Construction Training Program,” said Dr. R. Scott Taylor, Founding Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Studies. “This funding will help us expand training opportunities, enhance our curriculum, and ensure that more women can access rewarding careers in highway construction, an industry vital to our state’s infrastructure.”
About the Women in Trades Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Stephens College’s Women in Trades program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Participants acquire essential skills in carpentry, tool usage, safety protocols, and construction mathematics while earning industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10. The program emphasizes career readiness by connecting participants with local employers, union training centers, and industry mentors.
How the $300,000 HCTP Grant Will Be Used
This substantial grant will enable Stephens College to:
- Expand Program Reach: Increase enrollment, particularly for women from underserved communities.
- Enhance Training Opportunities: Provide advanced hands-on fieldwork experiences focused on highway construction projects.
- Strengthen Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with unions, contractors, and local employers to create seamless pathways to apprenticeships and jobs.
- Support Career Placement: Offer additional job placement assistance and long-term support for program graduates.
- Procure Updated Equipment and Resources: Ensure participants have access to modern tools and materials for training.
A Commitment to Workforce Development and Diversity
The Highway Construction Training Program grant represents an investment in both workforce development and diversity. By equipping women with the skills to excel in highway construction, Stephens College is addressing critical labor shortages while fostering greater inclusivity in the trades.
“This grant will help us open doors for more women to enter the construction industry, where they can build stable, high-paying careers,” added Dr. Dianne Lynch, President of Stephens College. “We’re excited to see the impact this funding will have on both our participants and the broader community.”
