President's Office

HCC Receives its Largest Grant Ever – $5.8 Million from the U. S. Department of Commerce

Hagerstown Community College has been awarded a $5.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), to fund the renovation of the recently named D. M. Bowman Family Workforce Training Center, located at 562 Northern Avenue, in Hagerstown.

“This the largest grant awarded in HCC’s 75-year history,” said HCC President Jim Klauber. “It is going to transform skilled trades training in Washington County like never before. We, along with the Bowman family, are beyond thrilled at the opportunities this will provide for our citizens.”

This EDA investment, funded by the American Rescue Plan, will boost HCC’s capacity to train and prepare students for good-paying jobs in construction and commercial vehicle operation. The grant is being matched with $1.5 million from the Board of Washington County Commissioners.

Building design is currently underway for the Bowman Center, with construction set to begin in 2023. The facility will provide a central location for all of HCC’s off-campus training programs, including commercial truck driver training, diesel tech program, forklift instruction, GED program, and English as a Second Language classes.

The new facility will also become home to the Barr Construction Institute, operated by the Cumberland Valley Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. This will allow HCC to work with ABC to enhance skilled trades programs and increase enrollment in these programs, giving students the opportunity to cross train or complete an associate degree.

“ABC of Cumberland Valley is excited for this opportunity to partner with HCC on this new chapter in workforce training in Washington County,” said Amos McCoy, CEO, ABC of Cumberland Valley. “This will put our region on the cutting edge of workforce training.”

To learn more about the D. M. Bowman Workforce Training Center, contact HCC’s President’s Office at 240-500-2233 or president@hagerstowncc.edu.

(August 10, 2022)