LCCC receives nearly $69,000 in grants to expand hands-on career training

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Students studying cybersecurity, health sciences and digital fabrication at Laramie County Community College (LCCC) will gain access to new technologies and hands-on training opportunities through three competitive grants totaling $68,870 awarded to the college this month.

The funding comes through the Perkins Cutting Edge Grant Program, which supports innovative approaches to career and technical education (CTE) that prepare students for changing workforce demands. The three projects will expand LCCC's instructional capabilities, giving students experience with equipment and technologies used in their future careers.

“We are excited and grateful to receive this funding, which will have a direct impact on the student experience at LCCC,” said Dr. Kari Brown-Herbst, senior vice president of academic affairs.  “From healthcare and cybersecurity to digital fabrication, these projects will provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that build confidence, develop in-demand skills, and prepare them for success in high-demand careers. We are proud to continue investing in innovative programs that support both our students and Wyoming's workforce.”

One of the grants will support LCCC's Enterprise Infrastructure Learning Initiative, expanding the college's technology infrastructure to more closely reflect the systems used by businesses and organizations. Students studying cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking and systems administration will be able to practice managing and securing complex technology environments. The improvements will help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and the technical demands of the workplace.

Another award will support the Community Accessibility and Digital Fabrication Initiative through LCCC's Concept Forge. The project will introduce advanced ultraviolet (UV) printing technology, allowing students to create products ranging from prototypes and customized materials to tactile graphics and signage that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition to providing practical experience in design and fabrication, the technology will allow students to develop products that address accessibility needs and support businesses and community partners.

The third project, the Medication Safety Simulation Initiative, will strengthen training for students studying in the health sciences programs. The grant will bring advanced medication administration technologies into the college's nursing simulation environments, including barcode scanning, electronic medication records and infusion pump technologies. By practicing with the same types of systems used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, students will develop skills in medication administration, patient safety and clinical workflows before entering the workforce.

“Each of the three Cutting Edge grant projects proposed by LCCC are exactly what this grant is intended to support – new and innovative technology that will help to keep our Wyoming students on the leading edge in their chosen pathway,” said Dr. Michelle D. Aldrich, director of career and technical education (CTE) and Perkins Funding with the Wyoming Department of Education. “When students have access to the latest tools, equipment and materials being used in business and industry they have a competitive edge in the job market. Business and industry partners also win because they can hire graduates that can hit the ground running!”

The Perkins Cutting Edge Grant Program supports projects that use evidence-based instructional practices and emerging technologies to strengthen CTE programs funded under Perkins V. These projects are designed to address workforce needs identified through the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment, helping colleges align programs with regional labor market demands and identify opportunities to better serve students and employers.

The $68,870 in grant funding is in addition to LCCC's annual Perkins formula allocation, which supports ongoing career and technical education programs. Together, these investments will help the College provide students with practical training that reflects current industry practices while supporting Wyoming's broader efforts to develop a skilled workforce.

For more information about LCCC's academic programs, visit lccc.wy.edu.