WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $453,597 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College to include high school students and to improve completion, retention, and enrollment of students in the program.

“Blue Ridge Community & Technical College does a great job preparing students for the future. This welcomed support from the NSF helps to further education in our state and provide opportunities for more advanced manufacturing technicians. Programs like this create diversity in West Virginia’s educational opportunities and put students on a trajectory for success in the work force. I thank NSF for their continued investment in West Virginia and look forward to the progress made out of this program,” said Senator Capito. 

“The manufacturing and technology sectors are growing in West Virginia and we need an educated workforce to fill the new job opportunities,” said Senator Manchin. “It is great that Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is receiving this funding to expand their Advanced Manufacturing Technology program to include high school students, which I believe is a great way to give our high schoolers a strong education. This funding will also improve completion, retention, and enrollment for current and future students to ensure those who attend the program are ready to fill the new jobs in the West Virginia manufacturing industry. I look forward to seeing this program thrive and these students succeed as they continue on in their education and as they enter the workforce.”

 

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