News Summary
The Infosys Foundation USA has awarded $150,000 in grants to six U.S. colleges to enhance digital skills education. The funding, announced at the NACCE conference in Coronado, aims to support specific projects aligned with local labor market needs. Each institution will receive $25,000 over 18 months, utilizing resources like the Infosys Springboard platform. The program reflects a commitment to fostering a technology-driven workforce while supporting marginalized communities with innovative education.
Coronado, California – Six U.S. colleges have been awarded a total of $150,000 in grants through the Infosys Foundation USA for their digital upskilling initiatives. The announcement was made during the annual National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) conference held in Coronado.
These funding initiatives are part of the Digital Workforce Innovation Program, aimed at enhancing digital skills among students across various higher education institutions, including community colleges, four-year colleges, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Each selected institution will receive $25,000 to support their specific projects, which are designed to align with local and regional labor market needs.
The six colleges receiving funding are:
- Coppin State University (MD)
- Foothill College (CA)
- Gateway Community College (AZ)
- Houston City College (TX)
- Ivy Tech Community College (IN)
- North Iowa Area Community College (IA)
The overall initiative will run over a period of 18 months and will provide access to various resources, including funding, technical assistance, and mentorship. Participants in the program will utilize the Infosys Springboard digital learning platform, which facilitates peer learning and helps students engage in data analysis.
Alongside the financial support, colleges will connect with Maker USA, a strategic partner providing consulting and linking the institutions to a national network of over 40 organizations committed to maker education.
According to the selection criteria highlighted by NACCE, emphasis was placed on community and workforce needs, ensuring that chosen projects adequately reflect the skills required in the job market. Colleges were evaluated based on their readiness for digital learning, sustainability of their plans, and the degree of collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Kate Maloney, Executive Director of the Infosys Foundation USA, emphasized that the goal of the grant is to prepare students for a technology-driven workforce, while at the same time expanding access to critical digital skills training.
Additionally, the grantees will utilize a repository of 11,000 courses focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity through a program component known as SkillPointe. This aspect aims to help individuals discover relevant training and certification opportunities suited to their career aspirations.
The initiatives funded through this grant reflect a broader commitment to ensuring inclusive access to learning opportunities necessary for building a robust and dynamic workforce. NACCE has established itself as a leader in community college entrepreneurship education throughout North America, while the Infosys Foundation USA concentrates on enhancing access to digital education and promoting equal opportunities in STEM fields.
Furthermore, Maker USA targets marginalized communities, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through maker education to bridge gaps in technological education.
This collaboration among various institutions signifies a coherent approach to workforce development and enhancing the educational landscape, making substantial strides in digital education initiatives.
The NACCE’s recent press release underscores their commitment to fostering educational initiatives that contribute to workforce development by nurturing skills that are increasingly vital in today’s economy.
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Additional Resources
- The Gazette: Iowa State Launches Cybersecurity Upskilling Certificate
- Community College Daily: Empowering Community Colleges for AI Workforce
- GovTech: Department of Labor Grants $65M for Tech Training and Upskilling
- BIV: How Upskilling Transforms Workplaces
- About Amazon: Teacher Works with AWS for Tech Careers in Rural Community
- Wikipedia: Workforce Development
- Google Search: Upskilling Workforce
- Google Scholar: Upskilling Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Upskilling Programs
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
