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Delta Regional Authority grant funds $733,000 expansion of welding program at South Arkansas College
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Summary
College and regional partners say a Delta Regional Authority grant of about $733,000 funded a renovation that expanded welding space, added equipment and relieved capacity constraints for students in El Dorado, Arkansas.
South Arkansas College leaders and regional partners said a Delta Regional Authority (DRA) grant of about $733,000 funded an expansion of the college's welding facilities in El Dorado, Arkansas, that has added space and new equipment to accommodate more students.
"We are very thankful to the DRA folks," said Ray Winnicki, Dean of Career and Technical Education at South Arkansas College, describing how the program previously operated in two separate buildings and lacked space for additional welding booths. "Without this investment'the college would have never been able to achieve what we have achieved here."
Stephanie Tully Dartez, president of South Arkansas College, framed the expansion as a way to improve access to training for rural residents who otherwise must travel outside the region to reach specialized programs. "Investing in rural communities really gives opportunities to those that live rurally," she said, noting travel and family responsibilities can make accessing training difficult.
Blake Harrell, director of community and economic development for the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District, said the college had been turning away welding students because of limited space. In partnership with the college and the Delta Regional Authority, Harrell said the partners secured "about a $733,000 investment" to expand the center and increase student capacity.
Instructors and students described immediate benefits. Garrett Trussell, the college's welding instructor, said the program teaches high school and postsecondary students technical and safety skills to prepare them for local employment. Student Jamie Mendoza said the program has "helped me so much getting better at doing what I really want to do in the future" and has opened better job opportunities.
College leaders said the DRA-funded renovation created a fully renovated addition to the existing building, new welding machines and more open workspace, easing earlier crowding and heat issues in the shop. Regional partners and college officials thanked the Delta Regional Authority for enabling the project and said the expanded training capacity supports local industry hiring needs.
No formal motions or votes were recorded during the remarks.
