JCC Receives Project Skill-Up Funding

Published: March 12, 2015

Funds will provide short-term training for qualifying students.

Johnston Community College has received renewed funding in the amount of $20,000 from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (TTFC) in support of Project Skill-Up.

Through a partnership between the TTFC and the North Carolina Community College System, Project Skill-Up was created to provide short-term training leading to employment for individuals adversely affected by changes in the tobacco industry.

At JCC these funds provide workforce training opportunities in various continuing education areas including biopharma manufacturing, nurse aide, and teacher assistant. From 2008 to 2015, JCC has received $195,000 in Project Skill-Up funding which has provided counseling, training, and new employment opportunities to 440 individuals. In 2013, JCC and the Johnston County Department of Social Services partnered to create the Human Services Certificate, a 40-hour program designed to provide knowledge for entry-level employment in the field of human services.

If you or a member of your family have had a connection with the tobacco industry, please call (919) 209-2042 to see if you qualify for Project Skill-Up assistance.

Cut line: The TTFC recently presented a ceremonial check to JCC recognizing the award. Pictured from left are Jeff Jennings with TTFC; Lyn Austin, JCC board chair; Susan Barnes with TTFC; April Phoenix, a recent Project Skill-Up scholarship recipient; Danielle Hussey, coordinator of Project Skill-Up at JCC; and David Johnson, JCC president.