Cardin presents $1.8 million check to HCC

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On Aug. 2, U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) visited the campus of Hagerstown Community College to present a ceremonial check for $1.8 million as part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support HCC’s alternative energy technology program.

“This funding will allow us to greatly expand our alternative energy program,” said HCC President Guy Altieri. “During the next three years, we anticipate that through credit and non-credit courses in this area, we will be able to train 675 students, who will be able to take these skills and get good jobs in this growing industry.”

HCC received the money as part of a the U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training grant to expand training in clean energy technology. HCC’s credit-based program includes an associate degree in alternative energy technology as well as certificates in solar/wind energy and geothermal energy. Non-credit courses will also be offered as a way to allow students to explore areas in this field or add to their existing job skills.

“Jobs are the key to our economic recovery and this job training grant for the U.S. Department of Labor will make it easier for residents of Washington County to obtain the training they need to get jobs in new and emerging industries,” said Senator Cardin.

For more information on HCC’s alternative energy technology program, contact Tony Valente, lead instructor, at 301-790-2800, ext. 581, or via e-mail at arvalente@hagerstowncc.edu [3].

Pictured, from left, are: Senator Ben Cardin, Washington County Commissioner President John Barr, Washington County Commissioner Jim Kercheval, and HCC President Guy Altieri.