Iowa College Lands $92K Federal Grant to Boost Workplace Safety Training

Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) in Sioux City, Iowa, has been awarded a $92,295 Susan Harwood Training Grant to support workplace safety education and training, the college announced this week. The federal grant, administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), will fund programs aimed at reducing workplace injuries and illnesses.

The Susan Harwood Training Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations, community colleges, and other institutions to develop and deliver training on workplace hazards, with a focus on small businesses, underserved workers, and high-hazard industries. WITCC plans to use the funds to expand its safety training offerings, potentially reaching hundreds of workers in the region. The grant amount, $92,295, is part of a broader federal effort to promote worker safety through education.

The award comes as workplace safety remains a critical concern, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction sectors prevalent in Iowa. By securing this grant, WITCC reinforces its role as a key workforce development hub in the region. Next steps include program implementation and outreach to local employers to enroll workers in the training sessions.