U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million in California to Support Healthcare Workforce Development at the University of La Verne
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the University of La Verne in La Verne, California, to support healthcare workforce development.
This grant will provide for the acquisition of lab equipment for the university’s new Health Careers Academy to support the training of Certified Nursing Assistants and Medical Assistants. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.5 million in local funds and is expected to create 600 jobs and generate $50 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“Building a strong and resilient workforce is a crucial component of President Biden’s Investing In America agenda, and EDA’s investment in University of La Verne will do that,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support workforce development and essential job-creating infrastructure in La Verne, that will strengthen their economy and save lives.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist the University of La Verne in its work training Californians for good-paying jobs in life-saving fields.”
“California is moving with urgency to support the next generation of health care workers and expand access to care throughout the state,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for this grant to help train future medical professionals and meet health care needs in one of our fastest-growing regions.”
“This new grant funding for the University of La Verne will support health care workforce development and help lead students to more good-paying jobs that serve their communities,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Grant opportunities like this one are the reasons I’m working in Congress to support the Economic Development Administration’s work to provide the critical resources needed to create opportunity and foster regional economic growth.”
“It’s great to see the Biden Administration deliver federal dollars to boost La Verne’s health care workforce,” said Senator Laphonza Butler. “Not only will this grant create good-paying jobs, it will train the next generation of health care workers to provide the life-saving care people need. California communities stand to benefit when the federal government strengthens local economic investments.”
“Inland Empire students are developing medical solutions to 21st century challenges and the federal government must continue to foster scientific excellence at institutions at the forefront of innovation like the University of La Verne,” said Representative Norma Torres (CA-35). “I have witnessed the incredible feats we can achieve when we invest in the next generation of leaders and this grant from the Economic Development Administration will ensure more students receive access to high-quality medical training to better prepare them for the healthcare workforce of the future.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.