Los Angeles City College says it has been named the recipient of a U.S. Department of Education Title IV “Focus on Creative Technology Grant,” a five-year $2.9 million award designed to provide options for minority and low-income students to connect directly to their career interests.
The new grant will fund dual enrollment, a new Center for Innovation & Technology, supplemental instruction and community internships, according to an LACC statement. The combined areas will improve retention, persistence and attainment of certificates, degrees and transfers.
“We are extremely grateful for receiving this important grant,” said LACC President Mary Gallagher. “The funds will help us in our efforts to provide student- centered education focusing on our communities’ unique skills, abilities, interests and talents.”
For the more than 3,000 high school students in dual enrollment classes through LACC, the grant will fund classes for 500 students at various landmark cites throughout the city rather than at participating high schools, according to the statement. The new Center for Innovation & Technology will be a planned gathering space where faculty, students and the community can create and develop projects and products using nontraditional hands-on methods.
The funds will begin flowing Oct. 1, and the Center for Innovation & Technology will open when students return to campus.