BANK OF AMERICA HELPS PIPELINE PROGRAM

The Housatonic Community College (HCC) Foundation in Bridgeport was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from Bank of America to help support its Advanced Manufacturing Program, which trains and helps place women in manufacturing jobs. 

Recognizing that the manufacturing industry has a low percentage of women in its workforce, Bank of America, in cooperation with the HCC Foundation, renewed its support for a third year in a row, providing scholarship funding for women interested in this sector. Low-income, displaced workers will also be supported through the grant. 

Manufacturing is a key driver of Connecticut”™s economy, accounting for more than 11% of total output, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. However, while women make up roughly half of the working population across the country, men have historically held the majority of jobs in the manufacturing industry. 

Bill Tommins, president, Bank of America Southern Connecticut, said “”¦As an original supporter of this initiative, our partnership with Housatonic Community College”™s Advanced Manufacturing Program helps set participants on a path to improve their financial lives and create sustainable careers, benefitting not only the individuals but their families and our state as a whole.  

To date, the program has graduated hundreds of students, creating a direct career path to gainful employment in the manufacturing industry. Employers rely upon this pipeline, because right now, thousands of well-paying manufacturing jobs are available in Connecticut, but there is a shortfall in trained workers. 

For more, contact Felisha Guirand-Fleurimond at fguirand-fleurimond@hcc.commnet.edu or call 203-332-5975.