Missouri's Community Colleges will receive nearly $10.8 million in federal funding to expand workforce training opportunities and strengthen pathways to in-demand careers for students across the state.

The $10,798,968 award is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants Program, which supports community colleges as they develop and expand workforce programs designed to meet the needs of students and employers.

The investment will allow the community colleges to continue building their capacity to prepare students for high-demand careers while responding to the evolving workforce needs of employers throughout the region.

Missouri’s community colleges play an essential role in connecting education with workforce development. Through partnerships with employers and industry leaders, the colleges can give students opportunities to earn credentials, build career-ready skills, and enter fields that need trained workers.

This award is part of approximately $65 million in workforce grants awarded nationwide by the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding represents the sixth round of the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants Program.

The program is designed to strengthen the ability of community colleges to address employers’ skill-development needs while helping students earn credentials that lead to quality jobs in high-demand industries.

Missouri’s community colleges play an important role in supporting workforce and economic development across the state. By providing accessible education and industry-aligned training, community colleges strengthen talent pipelines for Missouri employers while helping students gain the skills and credentials needed to pursue in-demand, family-sustaining careers.

The Missouri Community College Association celebrates investments that strengthen the state’s community colleges, expand opportunities for students and help Missouri businesses find the skilled workers they need.