Rowan-Cabarrus Community College announced this week that it has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to help construct, renovate and expand the Allied Health building on the North Campus in Salisbury.
The funding comes from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will add a minimum of an additional 7,000 square feet to the previously planned 20,000 square foot addition to the Allied Health building.
The estimated cost of construction is $7 million. In addition to the grant,, funding for the project comes from the Rowan County bond referendum that passed last November.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the Economic Development Administration,” said RCCC President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “This additional space will allow us to work toward expanding some of our current healthcare programs and developing additional programs – ultimately allowing us to better meet local job demand.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce anticipates that this investment will create more than 100 new jobs. In addition to job creation, they predict over $45 million in private investment leveraged.
Additional programs under consideration include Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), and Dental Hygiene.
Thursday, the school also announced the receipt of a $1.8 million grant, to be paid out over the course of five years from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grants.
RCCC is one of only two schools in North Carolina and 34 recipient nationwide to receive funding.
The funds will be earmarked for projects that aim to improve student persistence, retention and graduation. Money will be used in part to create Academic and Career Advising Centers, as well as an early intervention program.
“This intentional advising approach is one we’ve been wanting to implement for some time now,” Spalding said. “Funding and staffing constraints have made it challenging, but with this grant we will be able to do so. Now we can get more hands on with coaching students through their course planning, as well as their transfer or career paths.”
Total funding for the grant will be $1.8 million over the next five years, with the college receiving $399,950 in the first year.
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