U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.8 Million to Expand Workforce Training Programs in Starke County, Indiana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.8 million grant to Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning, Inc. (SCILL), Knox, Indiana, to construct a 12,000-square-foot workforce training center for precision welding, automation, robotics, and equipment maintenance programs. This EDA project, to be matched with $690,146 in local funds, is expected to create 640 jobs and generate $24.1 million in private investment.

“President Biden is committed to building a skilled workforce that responds to the needs of businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning, Inc., will expand critical workforce training programs in the region to ensure that the region recovers from the coronavirus pandemic and builds back stronger.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning, Inc., as they seek to boost the local skilled workforce,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will consolidate SCILL’s training programs to one state-of-the-art facility and better connect the region’s unemployed individuals with businesses that need skilled workers.”

“Building a skilled and ready workforce is a top priority for the state and this EDA funding will help us meet our NextLevel Indiana goals,” said Governor Eric Holcomb. “In addition to the significant local funding, this federal investment will help our state and the local community provide Hoosiers with the training they need to meet the demands of our growing economy.”

“SCILL is a unique and vital program that provides Hoosiers in Starke County with new opportunities by helping them build the job skills they need to thrive,” said Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02). “This investment in SCILL’s mission will help expand its efforts to strengthen our workforce, ensure local businesses can hire the skilled workers they need, and make a real difference in people’s lives.”

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.