​California

Allan Hancock College’s Children’s Center Lab School will put the finishing touches on its new facility thanks to a $150,000 Orfalea Foundation grant. The college will equip the center’s kitchen and purchase audiovisual equipment for two observation rooms used by early childhood education students. The grant also funds a pivotal part of the new outdoor playground space and a water wall and creek that simulates a natural setting, circulating water throughout the day.

Arizona

Arizona Western College was presented with a $5,000 grant from General Motors for its automotive program. The funds will be used to update the current shop space.

Minnesota

Inver Hills Community College (IHCC), in conjunction with Century College, received a $100,000 grant from The Traveler’s Companies, Inc. IHCC will use the funds to offer work-study jobs to 80 students who come from low-income households, are the first in their family to attend college or are individuals of color. Funding also will support off-campus internships and workshops for select students. Century College will use its portion of the grant to support its Century Scholars program.

Missouri

St. Charles Community College will be able to offer a gerontological nursing class online with the help of a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for Geriatric Education. The online format allows working nurses to take the course at work or at home, regardless of shift schedules. The course will enhance nurses’ training in assessment or evaluation of geriatric patients.

New Jersey

Bergen Community College received $21,000 from the Bergen County Education Association on behalf of the estate of Angela Salatti, a former elementary school teacher. The funding will provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in education. Salatti passed away in 2008.

North Carolina

Piedmont Community College (PCC) will expand its Workforce Certification Academy offerings using a $165,032 Golden LEAF Mid-Skills Training Initiative grant. The college will purchase a forklift and other training equipment, which will allow it to implement a combined certified logistics technician and forklift certification program. PCC also will develop two new employer-requested courses—hydraulics and pneumatics, and rigging and moving.

Washington

Whatcom Community College, Skagit Valley College and Bellingham Technical College are helping to fill a critical training gap for nursing students using a $189,088 Hospital Employee Education and Training Innovation grant from the state. The grant supports the design of curriculum that simulates real-world patient care experiences. The simulations will help nursing students solve problems and prioritize issues related to managing a five-patient assignment.