While women make up more than half of the U.S. workforce, they hold less than 20 percent of U.S. tech jobs. In an effort to help address this, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and the Housatonic Community College Foundation (HCCF) have teamed up to support women interested in entering tech careers.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently awarded a $20,000 grant to HCCF to support women who are interested in pursuing a career in the manufacturing industry. With this funding, Housatonic Community College (HCC) will market their highly successful Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center program to women. This intense, one-year educational program boasts hands-on experience and a 100% job placement rate.

Other educational opportunities for women that are already in place at the college include a three-week Introduction to Manufacturing boot camp to learn about available career opportunities in the manufacturing field, a College Connections program allowing high school students to earn college credits through the Advanced Manufacturing program, and Women In Technology seminars which showcase pathways into the manufacturing industry to young women in high school.

“While Connecticut is experiencing a substantial tech worker shortage, women are underrepresented in almost every manufacturing sector in the U.S.,” said Dr. Paul Broadie, President of Housatonic Community College. “With this support, we can advance women in this field and have a significant impact on the state and the nation’s economy.”

In addition to building up a skilled workforce, the grant will help to train female students for high-paying jobs. Graduates of HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center program report an average starting base salary between $30,000 and $60,000 annually.

“Employment is one of the most powerful levers to connect individuals to economic success. We’re excited to be partnering with Housatonic Community College to help connect local residents to the training and support they need to prepare themselves with skills needed to find meaningful employment in this important sector of our local economy and to set themselves on a path to improve their financial lives and create sustainable career pathways to a better future,” said Bill Tommins, Southern CT President, Bank of America.

To learn more about the Housatonic Community College Foundation and how you can support scholars, please visit www.housatonic.edu or call 203-332-5078.