WARWICK – The Community College of Rhode Island announced Friday it has received a $400,000 grant through the Strada’s Employer and Community College Partnership Challenge that will allow the school to partner with Delta Dental of Rhode Island to address emergent workforce training needs in the state’s oral health care sector.
The partnership will focus on advancing equity-led outcomes for students in the college’s accredited dental hygiene program, according to a news release. Delta Dental will provide funding to support the renovation of CCRI’s dental clinic and will award 10 dental hygiene scholarships annually.
“Strada Education Network knows the power of harnessing educational talent with industry leaders, and we are deeply grateful for its support of our dental health programs and partnership with Delta Dental,” said CCRI President Meghan L. Hughes. “By working in collaboration with Delta Dental, we are providing high-quality education and training for dental professionals to support the current and future labor market needs in Rhode Island.”
CCRI was one of 11 institutions to receive a grant from the Strada Education Network. The other institutions were Broward College of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Carl Albert State College of Sallisaw, Okla.; Green River College of Auburn, Wash.; Honolulu Community College of Honolulu; Ivy Tech Community College of Indianapolis; MiraCosta College of North San Diego County, Calif.; Pima County Community College of Tucson, Ariz.; Salt Lake Community College of Salt Lake City; Surry Community College of Dobson, N.C; and West Georgia Technical College of La Grange, Ga.
“At Strada, we believe in investing in innovative solutions that deliver results beyond completion,” said Strada Education Network CEO and president Stephen Moret. “Community colleges have long played a critical role by serving the dynamic needs of both learners and employers in their communities. We are thrilled to have the chance to support college leaders and employers who are coming together to provide timely opportunities for learners.”
