Cardin, Van Hollen Announce $50,000 Grant for Hagerstown Community College
Today, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) announced $50,000 in federal funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for Hagerstown Community College’s Electronic Health Records Technician certificate program and its Health Information Management degree program.
“Our economy runs on our commitment to educating and training our workforce,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee. “This federal investment will help Hagerstown families land the local, well-paying jobs they need to thrive, all while expanding Hagerstown Community College’s course offerings. It’s a win-win for residents, and proof that ARC does important work and deserves continued federal support.”
“Ensuring Marylanders have access to the training they need to obtain and succeed in good-paying jobs is crucial,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees. “These investments will strengthen our workforce and provide training so more individuals can pursue successful careers in the healthcare sector. I will continue fighting for federal funding for these important investments to expand opportunities for good-paying jobs in our community.”
The ARC funding will provide the two programs with new equipment and resources. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $50,050 in matching funds, bringing the total project funding to $100,050.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by Congress in 1965, ARC is comprised of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the President. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen advocated for and secured significant funding for the program in the FY 2018 Omnibus, despite ARC being eliminated in the President’s FY18 budget.