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AACC Expanding Workforce Programs to Address Community Needs

Image of the rendering of the Clauson Center.

College Foundation receives $1M dollar gift to help construct new building

Wingspan, Spring 2019

Think about the last time you needed a plumber or electrician for your home or business. Was it easy to find one? More than 4,000 trade positions are posted in our community each year but employers report they have great difficulty recruiting employees. Skilled trade positions have been identified as the most difficult positions for employers to fill in the United States, according to recent research.

Due to this challenge, AACC will construct the Clauson Center for Innovation and Skilled Trades to address the growing need for skilled workers in our community. In as little as 13 weeks, AACC can deliver training and workforce development programs that help men and women find a career pathway to provide for themselves and their families.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of our community,” Janet Clauson said. “A four-year degree is not for everybody and not for every job.”

Janet and Jim Clauson of Crownsville have made a commitment of $1 million to support this new building at AACC in Arnold, which will bear their name. The college and the AACC Foundation are engaged in a private fundraising campaign to raise philanthropic support to construct and equip the Clauson Center, which will cost approximately $5 million and is scheduled to open in 2021. The Clausons are longtime foundation donors committed to the value the Clauson Center will bring to local employers and people who seek to establish themselves on this career path.

“We are very grateful for Jim and Janet’s generosity and leadership,” said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, AACC president. “By expanding our workforce development programs, we can support the needs of our employers and our local economy while helping people start and maintain successful careers.”

The 12,000-square-foot building will be designed to accommodate dynamic programming that adapts to job market demands. As program needs grow, the building can be expanded to reach 36,000 square feet. AACC plans to launch six inaugural programs when the Clauson Center opens: electrical, forklift operator, HVAC, plumbing, welding and general contracting.

“Our fundraising campaign to build the Clauson Center is about helping people transform their raw talent into promising careers that our local economy needs,” foundation President Cullen Murray said. “I invite people who value this vision to get involved so that we can raise the necessary funds to open the Clauson Center in 2021.”

To learn more about how you can help, please contact the AACC Foundation at 410-777-2515.

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