The University of La Verne, based in La Verne, California, has been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the U.S Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). This grant, announced by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, aims to bolster the healthcare workforce through the acquisition of lab equipment for the university’s new Health Careers Academy.
The university’s Health Careers Academy will use the funds to train Certified Nursing Assistants and Medical Assistants. According to grantee estimates, this EDA investment will create approximately 600 jobs, and is expected to generate $50 million in private investment. This funding is to be matched by an additional $1.5 million raised from local sources.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated that the EDA’s investment in the University of La Verne aligns with President Biden’s Investing In America agenda which emphasizes building a resilient workforce. She believes that this investment will stimulate job creation and fortify the economy in La Verne while also contributing to life-saving services.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo expressed the EDA’s commitment to supporting locally developed strategies that stimulate economic opportunity. Castillo highlighted the EDA’s pleasure in assisting the University of La Verne in its mission to train Californians for well-paying jobs in the healthcare sector.
Governor Gavin Newsom recognized the urgency of fostering health care workers, stating that California is moving rapidly to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and expand healthcare access across the state. He thanked the Biden-Harris Administration for the grant that will assist in training future medical professionals and meet healthcare needs in California’s rapidly-growing regions.
