WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker recently announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $1.3 million grant to Bladen Community College to help build a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and Advanced Manufacturing Training facility on the College’s main campus in Dublin.

“The Obama Administration is committed to helping communities develop a workforce with 21st century skills,” said Pritzker. “As part of the ‘Skills for Business’ initiative, this EDA investment will allow Bladen Community College to establish a facility that will provide local workers with the training they need to compete for high-skill jobs being offered by regional employers.”

EDA’s investment will help build the STEM and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training facility on Bladen Community College’s main campus in Dublin. The facility will include an industrial chemistry laboratory, an advanced manufacturing technology simulation laboratory a STEM supporting computer classroom, a designated STEM courses classroom, office space and an advanced technology industry bay.

Staff report