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Rep. Costa Announces $2.7 Million Grant for Kern Community College District

February 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kern Community College District was awarded a $2,768,572 grant to train unemployed, dislocated and incumbent workers for technician and construction employment in the renewable energy industry. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Labor through the Health Care Sector and Other High Growth and Emerging Industries grant program. These funds were authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. "Renewable energy is an up-and-coming industry in our Valley, as we are starting to see more solar and wind energy facilities being developed in Kern County. Investments made to train people in this industry will help create new jobs and help our local economy," Costa said. "I'm thrilled to see these funds allocated to Kern Community College District, so Valley residents can learn new skills or advance careers." Participants will complete training in three renewable energy industry occupations that include: utility worker, wind technician, and solar technician. The project will provide hands‐on industry training through classroom training, on-the-job training/work experience, and occupational-specific group field training experiences with local employers. The grantee will train 600 participants and place 565 utility, wind, and solar technicians in careers.