FAFSA Chief Visits 大发六合彩to Highlight Importance of Trade and Career Programs
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA - June 5, 2024)鈥擮ne in four jobs in America today is filled by someone with an associate degree or a credential they earned from a trade or other certificate program, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Richard Cordray, chief operating officer for the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 Office of Federal Student Aid, visited 大发六合彩鈥檚 Marple Campus on June 5 to recognize the importance and impact of workforce training and why federal student aid is the key to helping propel students into well-paying jobs in high-priority fields.
The visit highlighted several programs offered by the College and was hosted by Marta Yera Cronin, Ed.D., the College鈥檚 president. The day included special tours of the College鈥檚 Welding Program, the Carpentry/Skilled Trades Program, the Municipal Police Academy and the Nurse Aide Program. Throughout the day 大发六合彩students in those programs shared their personal stories with Cordray.聽
鈥淲e are eager for you to learn more about the significant role 大发六合彩 plays in the region's workforce development landscape. Our institution serves as a cornerstone for educational excellence, fostering innovation and opportunity for students of all backgrounds,鈥� said Dr. Cronin in welcoming Cordray to campus. 鈥淢oreover, we are acutely aware of the pressing need for increased federal funding and federal student aid to support students in short-term programs. As we endeavor to expand access to quality education and training, your advocacy and support in this regard are invaluable.鈥�
With 10 million unfilled jobs, U.S. employers across all industries are eager to find qualified workers, but federal Pell grant aid cannot currently be used for short-term education programs. Legislation under consideration in Congress, if adopted, would allow Pell Grants to support students enrolled in high-quality, short-term education programs.
Cordray recognized the College鈥檚 role in helping area students attain specialized skills that help prepare them for good jobs in sectors that are in high demand. 鈥淭hese programs enable students to step immediately from the campus into the kinds of jobs that can help them find productive roles in building a stronger future, for our country as well as for themselves and their families.鈥�
He also stressed the importance of the flexibility of workforce training programs and how they improve accessibility to education, emphasizing that federal student financial aid鈥攊ncluding grants, loans and work-study funds鈥攃an be used to pursue career and trade programs.聽
Photo caption: (L to R) 大发六合彩President Marta Yera Cronin, Ed.D. and a Nurse Aide Program student Mona Coulibaly look on as Federal Student Aid chief operating officer Richard Cordray discusses financial aid for workforce training programs. Photo credit: Jim McWilliams
