The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) Leadership Adirondack (LADK) Class of 2019-2020 hosted a fundraising event in December that raised over $26,000 to provide a scholarship program to help increase the number of skilled trade workers in the region.
Each year, the Leadership Adirondack class creates a project that supports the mission of the Chamber–to help local companies succeed, grow, and thrive and to expand the economic opportunity in the region.
The LADK Class of 2019-2020 has partnered with WSWHE BOCES and the Employment Training for Adults Program (ETA) to provide the scholarship.
“We as a Leadership class are incredibly grateful and humbled by the community’s response to this year’s mission. The funds raised are indicative of the philanthropic nature of our local businesses and we have enjoyed riding the wave of generosity over the past few months,” said LADK participant Ryan Haig of Amsure.
The scholarship is intended to help people 18 years or older to start or extend careers in the fields of manufacturing, construction or CDL. It will benefit individuals participating in the BOCES Employment Training for Adults (ETA) program by providing financial assistance to eligible students who wish to enroll in skilled trades classes.
Eligible students must reside in the ARCC service area, which includes Warren, Washington, Essex and Saratoga counties. Awards will be customized per module and capped at $1,000.
Qualified applicants must demonstrate financial need, exhibit a commitment to complete an eligible technical program with WSWHE BOCES, and provide a statement of intent to use their training to pursue employment in the local region.
All manufacturing and construction businesses looking to develop their future workforce are encouraged to reach out to Michelle Stockwell, ETA supervisor, at 518-581-3604 or mstockwell@wswheboces.org.
The ARCC will be hosting a graduation ceremony for the Leadership Adirondack Program Class of 2019-20 on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at the Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury.
For more information on the ceremony, visit www.adirondackchamber.org/leadership-adirondack.