The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) chose BRCC to provide STEM educational opportunities to K-12 students
Baton Rouge Community College was recently selected by the American Association of Community Colleges as one of only 18 colleges nationwide for the EmployED Initiative to close the gap between available talent and manufacturing industry workforce needs.
The only college from Louisiana chosen for the initiative, BRCC plans to use the $60,000 funding for the EmployED Initiative to deliver monthly STEM mini-camps for elementary, middle and high school students, host a regional STEM Open House, offer credentialing boot camps for high school CTE/STEM teachers and launch a non-credit certification preparation course for students.
“This initiative aligns seamlessly with BRCC’s strategic goal of student success and our mission to expand access to high-quality, industry-aligned education that prepares students for both postsecondary learning and the workforce,” BRCC Chancellor Willie E. Smith, Sr. said. “This partnership marks a critical step in preparing the next generation of STEM leaders, reinforcing BRCC’s role as a responsive, equity-focused institution that meets the evolving needs of students and industry alike.”
The AACC will facilitate three learning cohorts with the colleges that include early career and technical skill exposure, advanced manufacturing and technical program development and electric vehicle-related programs and education.
“Aligning community college career and technical education with industry needs in advanced manufacturing is a high priority for AACC,” said AACC President DeRionne Pollard. “We are proud to work with General Motors in building and sustaining workforce pipelines, while advancing promising practices that support both our students and our economy.”
General Motors is funding the initiative, and BRCC will work in close partnership with GM and the AACC to develop, implement and share innovative models that support early career and technical education.
“General Motors recognizes the urgent need for workforce development nationwide. That’s why we are investing over $1.5 million in the AACC EmployEd initiative to empower 18 community colleges with programs that create career pathways in manufacturing, IT, supply chain and logistics, automotive maintenance, and construction,” said David Massaron, GM vice president, Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship. “GM is committed to developing the next generation of skilled professionals, advancing American manufacturing, jobs, and innovation.”
This initiative will build upon BRCC’s existing programming and scale early STEM and career exposure, ensuring more students across our region are both aware of and prepared for high-demand, high-wage careers.