Congressman Cárdenas Presents $2 Million to LA Mission College to Increase and Diversify STEM Workforce

Sylmar, CA – U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas announced $2 million in Community Project Funding to Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) to increase STEM Workforce programs.

This funding intends to increase the STEM workforce by creating a comprehensive program to support non-English speaking foreign-born STEM workers in addition to those new to STEM fields and interested in entering STEM professions. The goal of the project is to expand the current offerings of the Allied Health programs to meet the workforce and demand in the community.

LAMC President Armida Ornelas, Ph.D., LACCD Trustee Nichelle Henderson, LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez Ph.D., and Assemblymember Luz Rivas were all on hand to praise the Congressman for securing the much-needed funding.

“This grant enables us to provide direct student support, removing a significant barrier, and incentivizing student success," said LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D.

“This is a tremendous investment in L.A. Mission College and will directly support our new short-term Allied Health certificates, which include EKG Technician, Licensed Vocational Nurse, and Phlebotomy Technician,” said LAMC President Armida Ornelas, Ph.D. “Thanks to Congressman Cardenas, this funding will help close equity gaps and create generational change for the residents of the communities we serve.”

“At the end of the day, the goal is to serve everyone in Congress and expand opportunities for folks that otherwise wouldn’t have access to them,” said Congressman Cárdenas.

The grant will allow Los Angeles Mission College to develop a new site in Pacoima which will focus on offering Allied Health certificates alongside ESL and GED courses.