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DACC manufacturing students receive support
Doña Ana Community College was recently awarded a scholarship grant from a national foundation to assist students in manufacturing fields.
The college received a $15,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to provide scholarships to students in DACC’s Architecture & Construction Technology Program. The scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in manufacturing and computer numerical control programs.
“This continued investment reflects the foundation's ongoing confidence in our programs and our commitment to preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing,” says Dr. Laura De La Cruz, dean of DACC’s Advanced Technologies Division. “The grant will provide scholarships over the next two years, helping reduce financial barriers while supporting workforce development.”
The Gene Haas Foundation was founded in 1999, initially established to support the community of Ventura County, California. Since then, it has expanded to provide scholarship grants to community colleges that offer manufacturing and CNC-related programs.
Humanities grant
DACC recently received a grant to bring humanities front and center – giving students a richer learning experience.
The college was awarded a $150,000 grant over the course of three years to strengthen the humanities’ role in student learning and institutional impact through innovative course design, infusing humanities skills throughout the college curriculum, and preparing students for the workforce.
DACC is one of only five community colleges across the nation to receive this grant. The grant, Transforming Community College Education Through the Humanities, is funded by the Mellon Foundation, through the Achieving the Dream organization.
Achieving the Dream is a national nonprofit organization that works to improve student success in community colleges. A team from DACC’s Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences division will attend a kick-off event hosted by AtD. The group will develop action plans, explore innovative teaching and learning strategies, and lay the foundation for integrating humanities more deeply into institutional practices.
Reaccreditation of building construction program
DACC has received reaccreditation for its Building Construction Technology Program. The program has been fully reaccredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. This accreditation means that DACC meets the standards and criteria to deliver standardized, industry-recognized construction training and certifications.
For DACC, this means that students will receive a NCCER national certificate when they complete a course. The college produces more than 150 national certificates per year. The NCCER found that DACC’s Building Construction Technology Program “is well-positioned for continued growth through its structured training pathways, emphasis on hands-on learning, and integration of industry-relevant curriculum, including emerging areas such as solar energy, weatherization and plumbing.”
The reaccreditation is good for three years.
