Mount Wachusett Community College has received a $100,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust to support the expansion of its Automotive Technology Center, according to a community announcement.
The grant will fund 29% of the first phase of a three-phase project, which includes the installation of two modular classrooms. This addition will provide 2,000 square feet of instructional space to accommodate the growing demand for the college’s Automotive Technology program.
The increase in demand is largely due to the introduction of Electric Vehicle courses, funded by a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant. These courses have significantly boosted enrollment, equipping students with skills in both traditional and modern automotive repair, including hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
“Our automotive programs are at the forefront of industry needs, and this funding will allow us to continue offering state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for our students,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven said. “With the support of the George I. Alden Trust, we are able to expand our capacity, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary for successful careers in this rapidly evolving field.”
The second phase of the project will involve converting existing space into additional instructional areas. The third phase will focus on renovating the second floor of the facility to enhance student support services.
The George I. Alden Trust, established in 1912 in Worcester, aims to support charitable and philanthropic enterprises, with a particular focus on promoting education in schools and colleges.
For more information about MWCC’s automotive programs and the ongoing expansion of the Automotive Technology Center, visit mwcc.edu/auto.
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