Cleveland Community College is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the expansion and renovation of the Bailey Allied Health and Science Center, increasing the college's capacity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
"This grant is an investment in the students, healthcare providers, and communities we serve," said Dr. Jason Hurst, President of Cleveland Community College. "Our health sciences programs have experienced strong enrollment growth as demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise. This expansion will allow us to educate and train more students in our existing programs while maintaining the high-quality, hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduates to enter the workforce and make an immediate impact in healthcare settings throughout our region."
The grant will fund the renovation of approximately 10,000 square feet within the Bailey Center, a three-story facility built in 2009 that serves as the home of the college's health sciences programs including Nursing, Medical Assisting, Radiography, Surgical Technology, Medical Sonography, and Medical Laboratory Technology.
A key component of the project is the renovation of the two-story space that formerly housed CCC's public access television channel, C19. The station's relocation to the Jack Hunt Campus Center has made the space available for renovation and expansion, including the addition of a second floor, to provide much-needed workforce training and instructional space.
The Bailey Center currently serves students enrolled in some of the College's most indemand healthcare programs. As enrollment in these programs continues to grow, additional instructional and laboratory space is needed to accommodate more students and expand hands-on training opportunities.
The project received strong support from regional healthcare partners, including Atrium Health Cleveland and the Cleveland County Health Department, both of which provided letters of support as part of the grant application. In their letters, the organizations highlighted the need for additional healthcare professionals and the importance of expanding CCC's capacity to prepare these skilled workers.
"Partnerships with healthcare providers and public health agencies are critical to our success," Hurst said. "Their support underscores the important role Cleveland Community College plays in developing a skilled healthcare workforce and meeting the growing needs of employers across our region."
The project aligns with the EDA's mission to support economic development through strategic investments that strengthen local economies and create pathways to high-demand careers.
By expanding training capacity, the renovated facility will help ensure that healthcare employers throughout Cleveland County and surrounding communities have access to a steady pipeline of qualified professionals.