Southern Utah University has been awarded a grant from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development and its Talent Ready Utah team, in partnership with the Utah System of Higher Education, to develop and deliver free professional development certificate programs to help those displaced by the coronavirus pandemic.
“This one-time opportunity is exciting to be able to offer to those who are displaced from employment, looking to upskill into an in-demand occupation or advance within their industry. We are honored to partner in this investment to be part of southern Utah’s recovery. With this grant, online professional development certificate programs will be deployed to support key industries within the region and support an economic response to the impact of COVID, “ said SUU’s Executive Director for the Office of Regional Services Stephen Lisonbee. “Rural counties in the region have been especially hard hit. These funds will help us get the necessary training and counseling to our neighbors in outlying communities.”
“Each certificate is designed to prepare individuals for immediate and relevant workforce opportunities,” said Melynda Thorpe, SUU Community & Professional Development Executive Director. “Our certificates can also stack into SUU bachelor and master degree programs providing participants who are interested in completing degrees with a financial head start.”
In July, the Utah State Legislature allocated $4,500,000 to the Utah System of Higher Education to create in-demand, short-term educational programs to promote furloughed, laid-off, or dislocated workers, as well as underserved or other populations affected by COVID-19 in accordance with the federal CARES Act.
For more information on opportunities and training, visit www.suu.edu/learnandwork.
To read the original article published on Aug. 24, click here.
Story by: David Bishop
Photos courtesy of: suu.edu