Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees

Project Title: Florida Gulf Coast University Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline
Region (applicant-defined)/State(s) or territory served: Southwest Florida
Phase (applicant-defined): System Development
Award Amount: $22,871,501
Key Industry / Industries: Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics; Healthcare; Manufacturing; Education
Contact: Kyle McCurry, AVP of Marketing & Communication, [email protected]
Project Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
View Press Release
Summary:
In partnership with backbone organization Collaboratory (formerly known as Southwest Florida Community Foundation), Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) will accelerate credential-attainment and job placement in four leading local industries to support Southwest Florida’s economy. FGCU plans to recruit rural, Black, and Hispanic job seekers into pipelines that result in industry-recognized credentials and a career with local employers, including Lee Health, NCH Healthcare System, and K-12 school districts in five local counties. FGCU is also partnering with employers that are strengthening American supply chains: Airglades, which is developing a new cargo airport, and Arthrex, which is addressing global shortages in critical medical devices. With attention to equity, FGCU will work in partnership with Goodwill and United Way, to provide wraparound supports and to design systems that meet the needs of local underserved communities.

The project narrative included above is what was submitted by the applicants. The final EDA-approved scope of work may differ.