RVC-Receives-Grant-Funding-for-TRACE-Program.php

RVC Receives Grant Funding for TRACE Program

• Students
• 09/12/2024

Rock Valley College recently received grant funding for the Trade Review and Career Exploration (TRACE) Program, which is designed for underserved in-school youth between the ages of 16 and 24 in Winnebago and Boone Counties in Illinois, with an emphasis on the City of Rockford.

 

The TRACE program offers targeted career and technical training in response to market needs. The goal is to reduce unemployment rates, increase graduation rates from area high schools, increase available skilled labor, and increase sustainable wage employment in the trades for youth.

This program is in its second year of funding from the State of Illinois to provide access and strengthen pathways to careers in the "trades" for young adults, particularly those in underserved communities marked by high youth unemployment, low graduation rates, or other relevant indicators. The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) will provide approximately $400,000 in grant funding opportunities to be administered for this grant. 

The TRACE Trade grant provides an opportunity for Rock Valley College to reach a diverse demographic of students by exposing them to and providing financial support for credentials in various career pathways, such as Massage Therapy, Truck Driver Training, CNC Machining, Automotive Collision Repair, and Forklift training. "These programs are ineligible for federal financial aid, so the Trade Grant provides an opportunity to give our community members opportunities they may not have otherwise due to financial constraints," shared Dr. Cindi Schaefer Tobin, Dean of Early College. "In addition to providing financial support to our students in need, the Trade grant provides wraparound services as well – students get an advisor who will help them find job opportunities in the fields they are getting credentials in and who also provides professional development opportunities such as resume writing workshops to help program participants secure employment."

Students will earn credit towards completing a certificate in each area. If they choose to continue after high school, they will require less time to complete the Associate of Applied Science degree. They will earn credits and be provided access to advanced technology programs for RVC Career and Technical Education, where regional high school students earn college credit towards a Certificate or Industry Credential(s) using the Running Start model, which allows students to earn a high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously.

“The TRACE Trade grant also allows Rock Valley College to partner with local Trade organizations to expose high school students to career opportunities in the trades before they have even finished high school,” said Dr. Schaefer Tobin.

The current TRACE course offerings at RVC include:

• Truck Driver Training
• Massage Therapy
• Forklift Training
• Collision Repair

The Truck Driver Training program requires a high level of responsibility and safety awareness. Classroom presentations and hands-on experience are provided to ensure that students are well-prepared for the job in an entry-level position. This comprehensive program offers in-depth training on the skills and knowledge required to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. Through classroom instruction, hands-on driving experience, and real-world scenarios, participants will gain the confidence and competence needed to excel as professional truck drivers.  The class leads to a Class A Commercial Driver's License, a requirement for driving certain types of commercial vehicles.

The Forklift Training Program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge to operate forklifts safely and efficiently in the workplace. This comprehensive course covers all aspects of forklift operation, including safety regulations, equipment maintenance, and practical operation techniques.

The Massage Training and Continuing Education Program offers both a complete certification program and continuing education classes to help massage therapists meet their licensing requirements. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the human body and its interactions and a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, applied kinesiology, and pathology. The program involves hands-on learning of basic relaxation, therapeutic, and clinical approaches. After completing a certain portion of the program, student clinics will be available, allowing students to perform massage on actual clients under the supervision of licensed massage therapists and instructors.

Jamie Fanera, RVC massage therapy instructor and owner of Bodycraft Wellness & Massage Center, is excited about the additional support the TRACE grant will provide, allowing enhanced offerings and providing even more resources and opportunities for our students to succeed. "The Massage Therapy training program at Rock Valley College, in partnership with Bodycraft Wellness & Massage Center, has always been dedicated to empowering our students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field. This grant will enable us to continue our mission of preparing highly qualified massage therapists, supporting their journey from training to licensure, and ultimately, to successful careers."

RVC student Zack M. took advantage of the TRACE grant for Massage Therapy training. "The Grant was a real gift. It allowed me to focus on the amazing massage program without getting sidetracked."