Calhoun Community College is allocating more than two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars in new scholarships to fill a void in many skilled labor positions.

The newly created Career Development Scholarship will provide funding for students pursuing degrees and certificates in programs designed for direct entry into the workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more job openings in skilled labor positions, than there are people trained to fill the positions.

“As more skilled workers continue to retire, skilled jobs continue to become open and unfilled due to the lack of qualified individuals available to fill those roles. The goal of this new initiative is to not only help fill those industry gaps but to also invest in our students financially. We hope that through this scholarship, students will obtain the hands-on training necessary to jump-start their careers,” commented Nicole Yost, Calhoun Financial Aid Clerk.

The Calhoun Community College Advisory Committee has identified the following divisions for new scholarships:

Business Administration

Machine Tool Technology

Design Drafting

Medical Laboratory Technician

Aerospace Technology

Music Technology

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Nursing

Automotive Technology

Paramedic

Child Development

Physical Therapist Assistant

Computer Information Systems

Process Technology

Criminal Justice

Robotics / Mechatronics

Dental Assisting

Surgical Technology

Dental Hygiene

Visual Communications

Electrical Technology

Welding Technology

Industrial Maintenance

“This is good news for our students. These scholarships will help pay tuition and fees for students ready to enter the workforce through our Career and Technical Education programs. Just two weeks ago we announced plans to distribute $7.8 million dollars to students taking credit hour courses through the American Rescue Plan. We are providing great opportunities for students to receive money to get the education and training needed to be successful,” commented Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun Interim President. Scholarships awards will range from two thousand dollars to four-thousand-nine-hundred-forty dollars per student.

The deadline to apply for the Career Development Scholarship is August 10. To learn more about the Career Development Scholarship at Calhoun, visit www.calhoun.edu/CareerDev.