The purpose of this grant was to provide funding to Halifax Community College (HCC) to establish and operate three community education centers in the county/service area. The centers were co-located with existing public schools and operated evenings and some Saturdays. In collaboration with the county’s three school systems and other stakeholders, HCC offered short- and long-term education and training programs, as well as wraparound services such as soft-skills development to remove obstacles to employment. HCC provided courses that led to credentials in food production, electrical/electronics technology, maintenance management, industrial maintenance, log loader operation, log grading, and nursing. Courses were offered at the three community education centers through traditional classroom and/or distance learning. The college intended to enroll an additional 250 students per year through the three centers and provided transportation to the campus for required hands-on training. Golden LEAF funds were used for renovation, IT network, personnel, student stipends, supplies/equipment, marketing, and technology costs.
