Part of $15 million grant from U.S. Department of Labor to Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with six Arizona Community Colleges

In an April 2, 2024 press release, Yavapai Community College announced that the  Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College is offering a wide range of certificates and support programs through its QUEST grant, tuition-free. The REDC obtained funding to support qualified learners for needs related to travel, technology, childcare, tuition assistance, stipends for internships, and removing other barriers for dislocated workers.

The grant is available to persons who are: (1) Temporarily or permanently laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic disaster. (2) Underemployed with earnings under $50,000/year. (3) Considered dislocated workers as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 3(15).(4) Veteran or family member (spouse or dependent). (5) Currently seeking employment.

According to the College, the courses are meant to certify and support learners seeking on-demand careers in a variety of fields, including 3D Printing, Accounting, Admin Professional, Assisted Living Caregiver, Automotive, Bookkeeping, Business Office, CDL, CNT, Computer Applications Specialist, Cyber Specialist, Cyber Tech, Diesel Tech, Electric Utility Tech, Electrical Instrumentation Tech, Electronics, EMT, Graphic Design, IMM, Integrated Systems Engineering, Legal Office Clerk, Legal Paraprofessional, Management, Media Production, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Records, Microsoft Office, Nurse Asst, Paramedicine, Phlebotomy, Programming, Welding, Windows Server Admin, and Licensed Practical Nursing.

To learn more or start the application process, visit ycredc.com/quest-grant.

Attendees can learn the latest information about careers and apply for full and part-time jobs

In a Yavapai Community College press release written by Tim Diesch it was announced that the College and the Regional Economic Development Center are partnering with the Greater Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations to sponsor the Verde Valley Job Fair at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds (800 E. Cherry St.) on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

According to the release, attendees can learn the latest information about careers; apply for part-time, full-time, temporary, and seasonal jobs; and meet with representatives from business, healthcare, and non-profit organizations.

Following below is a portion of the press release.  You can read the entire press release at https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2023/09/jobfair.html.

There are currently more than 20 businesses that will be providing information about themselves as employers.

Veterans, individuals 55 and older, and job seekers with disabilities may take advantage of early admission at 3 p.m. Professional attire for all attendees is strongly recommended.

Need help preparing for the job fair? Resume review and interview tips are available at ARIZONA@WORK. Veterans who need assistance may call U.S. VETS at 928-200-5631.

The Verde Valley Job Fair is coordinated by the Yavapai College Regional Economic Development Center, the City of Cottonwood, the Greater Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, ARIZONA@WORK Yavapai County, NACOG, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Session free and open to public; will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Yavapai Community College will host a Small Business Summit in partnership with the Small Business Development Center on its Prescott campus on Thursday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. The Small Business Summit will be in Building 19, Room 147 at the Yavapai Community College Prescott Campus (1100 E. Sheldon St.) in Prescott. Seating is limited, so participants must RSVP online at https://clients.azsbdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=100430024.

Event highlights include a marketing panel, a lender panel, and a YC alumni-owned business panel, and networking opportunities.

To read the entire press release about the Small Business Summit, please click here. 

Funds are provided as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Yavapai Community College announced in a June 1, 2023 press release that the Regional Economic Development Center has received funding from a federal grant that provides free course  certificates and support for those attending the programs.  The Community College press release authored by Tim Diesch is set forth in full below.

TIM DIESCH 01 JUNE 2023

Starting June 1, 2023, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College is offering a wide range of free certificates and support programs through its QUEST grant.

The REDC has secured funding to support qualified learners for needs related to travel, technology, childcare, tuition assistance, stipends for internships, and removing other barriers for dislocated workers.

To learn more and apply, go online to ycredc.com.

In September 2022, Arizona received a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The grant is part of the DOL’s QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) program, and it was awarded to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) in partnership with six Arizona community colleges, including Yavapai College.

Arizona’s statewide QUEST efforts will form a direct pipeline for workers in the industries of Healthcare, Information Technology (IT), and Manufacturing.

The REDC has pathways for qualified individuals to:

Take advantage of wraparound student support to make the process of earning certifications more attainable.

Earn industry-recognized certifications through Yavapai College.

Earn industry-recognized certifications through Coursera.

The grant is applicable to those who:

Have been temporarily or permanently laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic disaster.

Have been unemployed long-term.

Are considered dislocated workers as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 3(15).

The courses are meant to certify and support learners seeking a well-paying career in the IT field, with programs related to data engineering, analytics, cyber security, software development and engineering, digital sales, marketing, and more, with average annual salaries ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.

The REDC at Yavapai College is a resource center dedicated to building strong communities and increasing opportunities for local residents through economic development.

Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.

You may also view the press release by clicking here.

Part of a collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and five other Arizona Community Colleges

Yavapai Community College announced in a press release dated November 9, 2022 that it was recently awarded $1.48 million from the Department of Labor as part of a collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and five other Arizona Community Colleges. The College is in the process of evaluating existing programs and services to deliver on the grants focus as well as looking at ways to partner and deliver new programs.

The full press release follows.  It can also be accessed at https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2022/11/redc.html.

=========================================

PRESS RELEASE

Regional Economic Development Center at Yavapai College Receives $1.48m Grant

TYLER RUMSEY 09 NOVEMBER 2022

Yavapai College was recently awarded $1.48 million from the Department of Labor as part of a collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and five other Arizona Community Colleges.

The funds are part of a $15m grant awarded to the state of Arizona from the QUEST Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWG) program. The funds will help dislocated workers across the state for the next two years.

“This award was only possible because of a collaboration with the ACA and our partner colleges and agencies in other counties,” said Richard Hernandez, Executive Director of Yavapai College’s Regional Economic Development Center (REDC). “This funding will allow us to continue bringing valuable and needed services to Yavapai County.”

“We are now in the process of evaluating existing programs and services to deliver on the grants focus as well as looking at ways to partner and deliver new programs,” Hernandez said.

Six counties are participating in Arizona’s QUEST project, including Cochise, Maricopa, Mohave/La Paz, Pima, Yavapai, and Yuma counties.

The REDC’s application highlighted the number of jobs, rate of job growth, compensation, and job posting demand in the healthcare sector.

“I am excited about this opportunity and know the REDC will bring the full assets of the College in support of economic development in Yavapai County,” said Rodney Jenkins, Vice President of Community Relations and Student Development. The Regional Economic Development Center at Yavapai College is committed to increased quality of life through managed economic development. More information on the REDC can be found at www.ycredc.com.

Yavapai Community College to receive as its share at least  $1.4M of 2021 excise tax — more to come every year | Will use money to expand Regional Economic Development Center Services

Arizona’s ten community college districts will receive over $31 million from the sale of recreational marijuana in 2021, which was its first year of sales.  The millions are the result of the Proposition 207 voter initiative that legalized recreational marijuana and required Arizona to distribute about one-third of the excise tax receipts to community colleges.

According to a February 26, 2022, story in the Arizona Republic by Alison Steinbach, Yavapai Community College has decided to use the Proposition 207 money to help expand services at the College’s Regional Economic Development Center. Community College Spokesperson Tyler Rumsey confirmed how the money would be used and told the Republic that “The center helps promote economic development, workforce growth and regional collaboration.”

In the same story, the Arizona Republic said that Yavapai Community College will receive $1.4 million as its portion of the total excise tax money collected in 2021.

Under Prop 207 the funds can be used for  workforce development, STEM and certain other education programs.

Source:  AZCENTRAL, Valley and State,  February 26, 2022, article by Alison Steinbach.

Community College program runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Camp Verde Town Gym located at 395 S. Main Street

Yavapai Community College will hold a Camp Verde Job and Career Fair on Thursday, September  16 from 3:30 p.m.  to 6 p.m.  The Job and Career Fair will take place  at the Camp Verde Town Gym at 395 S. Main Street.

According to the Community College’s news release, there are currently 36 businesses signed up to be at the fair, with over 270 positions available.  “This is a great opportunity to find out who’s hiring in which fields, whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or if you’re just starting out on your professional career,” said Regional Economic Development Center Programs Specialist, Katherine Anderson.

Attendees will learn the latest information about careers, may apply for part-time, full-time, temporary, or seasonal jobs, and can meet with representatives from business, healthcare, non-profit, and military organizations.

Early admission to the program  starts at 3 p.m. for veterans, those age 55 and over, and job seekers with disabilities. Professional attire is strongly recommended.

The job fair is coordinated by Yavapai College REDC, the Town of Camp Verde, ARIZONA@WORK Yavapai County, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, NACOG, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Anyone  attending the fair need assistance in preparing, resume review and interview tips are available at ARIZONA@WORK and the Goodwill Career Center.

Source:  Yavapai Community College press release of September 3, 2021 authored by Mr. Tim Diesch.

Yavapai Community College’s Regional Economic Development Center will hold a Job and Career Virtual Fair 2020 from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at YC.edu/jobfair

The online job fair will allow those who sign in to learn about the latest information about careers and to apply for part-time, full-time and temporary jobs.  It will also allow those online participants to meet with representatives from business, healthcare and non-profit organizations.

The Community College says that the emphasis for the Fair will be on job recruitment as well as career opportunities and resources that can lead to jobs.

The Fair is being offered through the combined efforts of Yavapai Community College, Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, ARIZONA@WORK, NACOG, Prescott Valley Economic Development Center, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and US Vets. For more information, visit http//bit. ly/YavCtyJobFair or email Katherine. Anderson@yc.edu.

A video further explaining the job fair follows below.