Grants support WNC programs

NV Energy is empowering Western Nevada College students with two new learning tools. A $23,000 grant has enabled the college to launch a new student assistance program, and also allowed it to purchase a mobile industrial electrical wiring learning system for Applied Industrial Technology students, usable throughout the college's seven-county service area.NV Energy donated $18,000 so the college could purchase the equipment to offer electronics students hands-on training. They can learn installation and troubleshooting of electrical control systems using realistic equipment and scenarios, including panel layout, splicing and termination and wire sizing.Another $5,000 has helped fund the college's Project Graduate program, which seeks to increase degree and certificate completion. New students must utilize advising services before they enroll for classes and are identified, through placement tests, if they need academic assistance to be ready for college courses.“The two programs NV Energy funded at WNC are fundamental to our education philosophy,” said Mary Simmons, NV Energy vice president of external strategy. “Our funding for Project Graduate helps to ensure a better college experience for students and a higher ratio of graduation success. The funding for the new electrical wiring system fits within our economic development strategy. A trained and ready workforce is essential to recruiting new business and jobs to Nevada.” The college purchased a mobile unit so that instructors can transport the equipment to rural teaching sites and to industries that need on-site employee training, according to college Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Connie Capurro.“Our Applied Industrial Technology Program will succeed because of these types of community collaborations, and the high energy and creativity of our faculty,” she said. “We are very grateful for our partnership with NV Energy.”