MiraCosta College said it received a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to administer workforce development programs in four community college districts in San Diego and San Bernardino counties.
The “America’s Promise” grant — the only one awarded in California — will fund programs at MiraCosta, Cuyamaca, Grossmont and Chaffey community colleges to prepare residents for jobs now being taken by holders of H-1B visas.
An H-1B visa lets employers temporarily hire foreign workers in occupations that require a specialized knowledge or skill.
MiraCosta said the workforce development program will pair up industry leaders with community colleges to educate and train people from underserved populations at no cost for high-skilled, in-demand jobs in areas such as advanced manufacturing and information technology.
The underserved populations include veterans, Native Americans, nontraditional learners and ex-offenders.
Under the effort, MiraCosta’s Carlsbad facility will offer programs in machinist technology, computer numerical control programming, robotics, quality control, craft brewing technology, electronic assembly, and marine engineering technician training.
Education and training programs at Grossmont College will include information technology, computer science, cybersecurity and drone technology. Programs at Cuyamaca College will include mechatronics, practical engineering and cybersecurity.
