Nossaman Helps Mt. San Antonio College Secure Scarce Federal Funding for Short Term Vocational Programs

Ashley Walker and Michael Stroud worked with United States Senator Alex Padilla and Representatives Norma Torres, Grace Napolitano and Young Kim to submit and secure limited congressionally appropriated community funding for Mt. San Antonio College for a short-term vocational training and jobs program. Ashley and Michael were assisted by former Congressman Chris Carney and Fred Dombo in receiving $500,000 for noncredit short-term vocational programs as a result of the recent passage of the federal omnibus appropriations bill, H.R. 2471. The programs are focused on establishing pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in the health care field.

The United States Congress returned to the previously dormant “earmarking” process, through which Congress can directly send funding to select community projects. Ashley and Michael —members of Nossaman’s Government Relations & Regulation Group—helped Mt. SAC navigate the newly re-established community funding process to secure a great client-oriented result. Ashley said, “While the competition for limited funds was fierce, we worked really hard with the College to advocate for funding, and, in turn, this program will greatly assist students with a path to employment.” Michael indicated that “although the funding is secured, we look forward to working with Mt. SAC on implementing the funding and working on Mt. SAC's future projects.”

Mt. SAC's short-term apprenticeship program helps create immediate job training and job placement by creating a partnership with the school and the local community's employers. Offered by the College’s School of Continuing Education, the pre-apprenticeship program will provide students with skills in math and English, foundational theory and hands-on clinical experience to prepare for immediate employment and entrance into an apprenticeship program.

We especially thank United States Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla and United States Representatives Grace Napolitano, Young Kim and Norma Torres for their ongoing support and commitment to California Community Colleges.