Homeland security educationWake Tech uses grant funding to expand law enforcement education
North Carolina-based Wake Tech Community College received grants of more than $2.5 million in the 2010-2011 fiscal year; the money was used, among other things, to develop training programs in the latest cybercrime and latent evidence technologies and to add a new, state-of-the-art crime lab to its public safety training facility
Raleigh, North Carolina-based Wake Tech Community College announced grant funding awards of more than $2.5 million in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Educational institutions often rely on grant awards to expand programs and services beyond what regular operating budgets allow.
“Grant funding augments our educational programs in a very important way,” says Wake Tech president Dr. Stephen Scott, “and we’re very pleased that Wake Tech has been able to attract significant grant support. With these additional resources we’re able to keep pace with changing technologies and provide our students and faculty with the relevant learning they need.”
Noteworthy this year is a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant has enabled Wake Tech to develop training programs in the latest cybercrime and latent evidence technologies and to add a new, state-of-the-art crime lab to its public safety training facility. The grant funds will allow Wake Tech to offer training to more than 500 law enforcement officers from Wake and surrounding counties.
A $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor has allowed Wake Tech to implement two new projects to meet the demand for workers in computer simulation and “green” automotive technologies. The simulation project will develop mobile game training for students who want to enter this growing field – and for those already working in it. The automotive project will allow Wake Tech to offer more training in the repair and maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles.
The National Science Foundation awarded Wake Tech $555,680 to increase the number of qualified technicians in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the region. The grant makes it possible for Wake Tech to provide scholarships to students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in environmental science and biopharmaceutical technology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electronics engineering, and computer engineering.
Other grant-funded programs at Wake Tech help to improve energy efficiency and resource conservation on the college’s multiple campuses; provide resources for instructors of English as a Second Language; promote alternative transportation among students and employees; develop continuing education programs for retirees and career changers; and increase educational opportunities for Hispanic students.
