Trocaire College Awarded $270,000 Grant from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

Trocaire College announced receipt of a two-year $270,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation for information technology workforce training in underserved communities in Buffalo and Lackawanna.

 “Trocaire College is thrilled that the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation has shown its support for our innovative workforce programs like Jump Start Plus that provide students with opportunities aligned with employer needs and demands,” said Dr. Bassam M. Deeb, president of Trocaire. “This grant allows us to take IT training directly into the neighborhoods where it’s in demand most, by collaborating with trusted community partners for recruitment and program delivery. We help students not only achieve success in the classroom, but also in the workforce through career sustaining opportunities provided by the local IT industry.”

Trocaire can connect the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation grant money with the matching funds received from a larger New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development grant allocated in June 2023 in partnership with the Western New York Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition. NYS OSWD operates under Empire State Development and supports the development and delivery of industry-driven workforce programs and practices to ensure that New Yorkers are prepared to meet the needs and priorities of employers.

 As part of the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition, Trocaire’s Jump Start Plus program includes IT training with focused wraparound support strategies to help underserved individuals transition from unemployment or underemployment to a career pathway in the high-demand field of IT. This high-impact training combines IT career exploration and work readiness with technical instruction and IT certifications. By partnering with other community organizations, Jump Start Plus recruitment targets underrepresented and underserved populations in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna.

“To foster a skilled talent pool empowered to tackle today’s job market, it’s essential that training and guidance is accessible to those seeking new skills and new career paths. By bolstering support alongside the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development, we are ensuring the programs continue to be sustainable and offer employer aligned training,” said Amber Slichta, vice president of programs and learning at the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. “Through our partners at Trocaire College and the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing and Tech Coalition, we are all working together to fill workforce gaps that strengthen every household in Western New York through access to good-paying jobs that can sustain families and drive local economies.”

For information on Trocaire’s Jump Start Plus program or to apply for the next cohort starting April 1, visit https://trocaire.edu/academics/workforce-development/it-training/it-career-jump-start-program/.
Founded in 1958 in Buffalo by the Sisters of Mercy, Trocaire College is a private, career-oriented Catholic college that strives to empower students toward personal enrichment, dignity and self-worth through education. Trocaire offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates and workforce development programs in healthcare, business and technology. Recognizing the individual needs of a diverse student body, Trocaire College provides life learning and development within a community-based environment, preparing students for service in the universal community. Visit trocaire.edu for more information and follow Trocaire on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York.  Prior to his passing in 2014, Ralph Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. For more information visit rcwjrf.org.