Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale on a new $13,477,799 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to lead a local community college consortium effort to provide and improve workforce training for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The grant is part of $500 million in grants announced today by Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

The grants are part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative, which promotes skills development and employment opportunities in fields such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, health care, science, technology and engineering through partnerships between training providers and local employers. The Arizona Sun Corridor Get Into Energy Consortium initiative, which also includes Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Northland Pioneer College, Pima Community College and Yavapai College Prescott, will help people whose careers have been impacted by U.S. trade policy find and train for good jobs.

“Placing people in good education and training programs is part of our economic recovery, and making sure those programs are effective and working well together is essential,” Grijalva said. “Helping Arizonans who want high-paying jobs in information technology and other areas is a good investment in our community, and I thank Estrella Mountain leaders for taking such a prominent role in making that investment possible.”

“These federal grants are part of the Obama administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening American businesses by strengthening the American workforce,” Solis said at an announcement event earlier today in Florida. “This strategic investment will enhance ties among community colleges, universities, employers and other local partners while ensuring that students have access to the skills and resources they need to compete for high-wage, high-skill careers.”