Nevada issues $1 million in STEM workforce grants

The governor’s Office for Science, Innovation and Technology has awarded $1 million in grants to begin or expand STEM workforce training programs.

“These grants will ensure Nevadans have opportunities to enroll in education and training programs that will put them on a career pathway toward success,” said Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Brian Mitchell, director of trhe office, said STEM jobs are growing more rapidly than other jobs and pay nearly 50 percent more. He said the number of jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields is producing an increasing demand for trained workers and that’s what these programs aim to do.

Western Nevada College was awarded $37,000 to expand its Siemens Mechatronics Training Center. WNC is the only college in the western U.S. operating a Siemens-certified Mechatronics program.

Great Basin College was awarded $43,800 to partner with local businesses to place veterans in internships to learn skills in diesel technology, millwright, welding, electrical and other technologies as well as nursing and radiology.

Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno was awarded a $127,341 grant to modernize and expand its emergency medicine — paramedic — program, and another $36,000 to develop a new associate degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems — drones.

Other grants went to College of Southern Nevada, University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada Partners, Inc., Carrington College and Career College of Northern Nevada.

Mitchell said the programs will help Nevada reach the goal of at least 60 percent of 25-34 year olds having some postsecondary degree or credential by 2025.