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HGTC Receives $8 Million from the U.S. Department of Commerce to Support Workforce Development through a New Marine Technology Center
September 21, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HGTC Receives $8 Million from the U.S. Department of Commerce to Support Workforce Development through a New Marine Technology Center
[Conway, SC, September 21, 2023] – Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the largest award in HGTC history. The grant is earmarked for the construction of a new cutting-edge training facility on the Georgetown Campus, aimed at bolstering workforce development in the only Outboard Marine Technology and Boat Building Technology programs in the state of South Carolina.
“The awarding of this grant is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our HGTC faculty, staff, and students, as well as the support of our community partners. It reflects our unwavering commitment to workforce development and the future of our students, our community, and the marine technology sector. We deeply appreciate the EDA's recognition of our vision and goals. Their support, combined with the local funds secured, will have a transformative impact, creating hundreds of jobs and fostering a substantial impact in our community,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President.
This significant investment in HGTC's new Marine Technology Center is poised to reshape the educational landscape of the community. The $8 million grant from the EDA will be complemented by an additional $4.7 million in local funding, further demonstrating the community's commitment to advancing workforce development in the marine technology sector. The collective investment is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy, leading to the creation of over 470 jobs and fostering $75 million in private investment.
Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, emphasized the importance of this initiative within the broader context of the Biden Administration's "Investing in America" agenda. "We're empowering our communities by ensuring that workers have the skills and resources they need to secure good-paying jobs in the communities where they live," said Secretary Raimondo. "This EDA investment will increase training opportunities for the people of Conway and create pathways to professional growth for workers. Local investments like these are critical to helping meet regional industry workforce needs." Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo highlighted the role of the Economic Development Administration in supporting local workforce development programs. "The new workforce training facility will prepare students for quality, in-demand jobs and support the growth of the state’s marine manufacturing sector," said Assistant Secretary Castillo.
This project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG), which played a pivotal role in regional planning and development. The EDA provided funding to WRCOG to unite the public and private sectors, creating an economic development roadmap that strengthens the regional economy, promotes private capital investment, and generates employment opportunities.
This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which allocated $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery.
For more information about applying, enrolling, and registering at HGTC, call 843-347-3186 or visit www.hgtc.edu.
About HGTC
HGTC offers college transfer and skilled associate degree programs in more than 70 fields of study, and many with online class options. Nearly all programs feature internships that lead to jobs. Ninety-five percent (95%) of students either transfer to earn advanced degrees or start careers in their respective fields of study. Horry-Georgetown Technical College prohibits discrimination against students and employees. Please direct discrimination and accessibility issues to the Office of Student Affairs at (843) 349-5228.
For additional information about HGTC, call (843) 347-3186.
www.hgtc.edu | Twitter: gohgtc | Facebook: www.facebook.com/gohgtc
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Media Contact:
Nicole Hyman, MS
Public Relations Director
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
843-349-7820, 843-902-3838
nicole.hyman@hgtc.eduContact:Nicole Hyman, MS, Public Relations Directornicole.hyman@hgtc.edu, 843-349-7820, 843-902-3838
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Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce
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PHONE | 843.546.8436
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