UA Pulaski Tech nursing program awarded $5.73 million DOL grant

The University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College will receive a $5,736,624 award from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand its nursing education program. The grant was secured in cooperation with the Arkansas Community Colleges Association and New Growth, a grant writing company.

The grant will provide funds for additional nursing faculty, student success coaches, grant administrators, and institutional research staff.

“This award recognizes the role community colleges play in addressing the need for skilled medical professionals to work in hospitals, clinics, and home health capacities across the state,” said UA-PTC Chancellor Summer DeProw. “As our nursing program benefits significantly, so will the graduates who will enjoy the financial security these jobs create. And of course, when healthcare in Arkansas improves, we all benefit.”

The award is part of $65 million in U.S. Department of Labor grants to 16 colleges in 14 states to expand their capacity to provide training to meet the skill development needs of employers and help students obtain good jobs. Grantees will work with industry stakeholders to identify the workforce needs of multiple employers within a selected industry in the labor market area.

“Entry into the UA-PTC nursing program is highly competitive,” said UA-PTC Dean of Science, Math, and Allied Health Talayia Johnson. “We have a waiting list of students who want to get into the program. The opportunity to expand our program and increase enrollment will have the duel benefit of providing great jobs for our graduates and addressing the high demand for qualified nurses in central Arkansas.”

The sub-award institutions include East Arkansas Community College (coming into the U of A System), U of A Phillips County Community College, ASU Mid-South, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Southeast Arkansas Community College. UA-PTC will serve as the grant administrator.