Contact: Malcolm Hornsby
214-378-1852;
mhornsby@dcccd.edu
For immediate release — Nov. 7, 2019
(DALLAS) — Dallas County Community College District is the latest recipient of the “Industry Partner of the Year” award presented by the Regional Black Contractors Association (RBCA). The distinction, awarded Friday during the association’s annual gala, highlights a partnership focused on construction education that prepares formerly incarcerated men and women for re-entry into the workforce.
“The economic and workforce impact to the community and employers provides an opportunity for pride, self-respect and dignity for each of these students,” said Joyce Williams, DCCCD’s associate vice chancellor of workforce and community. “The possibilities are endless as they transition into the workforce with construction certifications and employability skills earning them $15-18 hourly.”
Since June, approximately 100 students have received construction training and industry certifications. These certificates are made possible through a partnership between Cedar Valley College’s Career and Technical Education program and Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas.
The four-week program, funded by DCCCD’s WorkReadyU and Cedar Valley, takes students through construction trade and support classes composed of soft skills, work readiness and technical skills.
“I believe this is a game-changer at the lowest level because we have the ability to change the lives of these men and women today and not in the distant future,” said Dr. Ruben Johnson, executive dean of business, workforce and skilled trades division at Cedar Valley.
After completing the program, students typically receive employment through a partnership with RBCA. The nonprofit advocacy group works to include African American businesses in the construction industry.
For more information on the construction trade program at Cedar Valley College, please contact Dr. Ruben Johnson at (972) 860-8161 or by email at
rjohnson@dcccd.edu.
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