NIC receives $1.2 million in grants for career, technical programs

North Idaho College was awarded $1,267,307 from the Idaho Division of Career and Technical Education’s Leading Idaho 2.0 grant program. The one-time funding will be used to purchase new equipment for programs that lead to in-demand jobs.

The grant program made a total of $5 million available statewide. Each of the grants were reviewed and awarded separately, including all seven of NIC’s proposals. Of the 143 proposals submitted to the state, only 28 were funded.

“This is the product of a great deal of hard work from NIC staff to make this happen,” said NIC President Nick Swayne. “And we’re very grateful to the IDCTE for their recognition of how NIC can carry out their vision. The programs these grants help are exactly where we need to be investing in Idaho’s future.”

In order to qualify for funding, the programs had to be on the Idaho Department of Labor’s in-demand occupation list and/or have a projected growth rate of 25% regionally or statewide. The grant funds will be used to purchase equipment for Health Professions and Nursing, Law Enforcement, Network Security Administration, Graphic Design, Dental Hygiene, Radiography Technology and Automotive Technology.

“The purpose of the grants is to support innovation and expansion of programs that are growing locally, regionally and nationally. We need to be able to give our students the same or better technology as any school in the country so they can stay competitive in the job market,” said NIC Dean of Instruction, Workforce Education Vicki Isakson. “It also helps to keep our programs relevant to local industry needs. It’s a big win for the college and we’re very appreciative of the IDCTE.”

NIC programs that received funding, the amount, and what the funds will be used for:

Automotive Technology - $38,761 Grant funds will be used to purchase an electric vehicle and charging station.

Dental Hygiene - $234,936 Grant funds will be used to purchase computers and dental chair stations for students enrolled in the NIC Dental Hygiene program at Lewis-Clark State College.

Graphic and Web Design - $339,451 Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment to expand the graphic design program and equip the classroom laboratory. Equipment includes a flatbed cutter and finishing system, large format printer and cutter, laminator, flat panel display system, and studio lighting.

Health Professions and Nursing - $304,649 Grant funds will be used to replace two patient simulator mannequins and add equipment to the newly expanded NIC Health Professions and Nursing Simulation Center. The Simulation Center Lab equipment includes an interactive wall, Rx dispenser, personal protective equipment dispensing unit, bedside cabinet and mobile vision flat wall package.

Law Enforcement - $229,342 Grant funds will be used to purchase two law enforcement vehicles to replace existing outdated vehicles, a virtual reality training system and weightlifting equipment.

Network Security Administration - $20,786 Grant funds will be used to purchase computers to assist students learning how computer systems work together, replacing existing outdated computer hardware that is missing pieces.

Radiography Technology - $99,382 Grant funds will be used to purchase two digital imaging detectors.