The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded Collin College $2 million this month for infrastructure and supporting the healthcare workforce training at the Plano Campus.
The grant is expected to create 4,000 jobs and back the construction of a new health instruction facility. This facility will provide medical students with a new learning environment and prepare them for high-demand jobs.
“This investment will provide significant opportunities for Collin College students and the North Texas region,” said Neil Matkin, Collin College district president. “We are sincerely grateful to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration for entrusting us with this financial investment to help expand and strengthen the healthcare programs and training resources at Collin College.”
The main goal for the Plano Campus is to convert classroom spaces into health science labs that give students hands-on training. The renovation will utilize energy-efficient components.
“This expansion is not only about physical growth; it’s a testament to our commitment of nurturing the future of healthcare, expanding the horizons of healthcare education, and ensuring that our students receive the best resources while at Collin College,” said Michelle Millen, dean of academic affairs in health sciences and emergency services. “Our students will benefit from this investment as this will equip us to extend our offerings and help our students further succeed.”
The project is a piece of Collin College’s larger renovation plans following the 2021 Texas ice storms.
According to the U.S. EDA, the project is funded by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023. This act provided the college with $483 million for funding programs and areas that have been affected by natural disasters.
“Congratulations to Collin College on being awarded EDA Disaster Relief Supplemental funds,” said Prit Patel, senior economic development manager at North Central Texas Economic Development District. “This $2 million EDA investment to construct a new healthcare instructional facility will lead to new job opportunities for students and a trained workforce for the healthcare industry. The North Central Texas Economic Development District is excited about the impacts this project will have to the region’s growing healthcare industry.”
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