Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Training topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brightpoint asks Amelia County for $27,066 match to preserve skilled-trades slots for local students
Summary
Brightpoint Community College representatives told the board that Tobacco Commission funding for student slots is being phased out and requested a local match capped at $27,066 to support Amelia County students in welding, industrial electricity and precision machining programs if Brightpoint's grant application is successful.
Brightpoint Community College representatives updated the board on enrollment growth and workforce-focused programs and asked the county to support a match for a Tobacco Commission grant that would sustain Amelia student slots in three skilled-trades programs.
Fred Taylor (speaker 15) introduced Tara Atkins Brady (speaker 16) who explained the Tobacco Commission has reduced available funds and signaled the program will be phased out over the next three years. She said Brightpoint requested grant funding that, if awarded, would require a one-to-one local match for tuition and fees for Amelia County students. "The total tuition and fees cost for students from Amelia County who would be enrolled in these 3 programs in next academic year is expected to be $54,132," she said, adding the county's portion would be half — a $27,066 match that would be capped at that amount if awarded.
Board members praised the program's outcomes, including industry certifications and placement of program completers into full-time jobs, and asked staff to confirm whether the requested match already appears in next year’s recommended budget; one supervisor noted the match amount was in the recommended budget. No formal vote occurred; Brightpoint representatives said they appreciate the county’s longstanding support and will follow up if the Tobacco Commission awards funds.
