In support of Governor Roy Cooper’s Workforce Development Initiative and to promote more women in STEM-related fields, North Carolina Department of Administration’s (DOA) Secretary Machelle Sanders will visit and tour Pitt Community College’s Pharmaceutical Services Center and Walter & Marie Williams Science Center on Tuesday, July 24 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Collectively, both centers provide workforce training in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial systems and advanced manufacturing, all of which are in-demand careers with low female participation in North Carolina.
According to the 2018 Status of Women in North Carolina Report on employment and earnings released by DOA’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement Division, the growth of women in managerial and professional occupations has increased while occupational segregation in STEM fields remain stagnant between men and women. To get more women in higher-paying jobs and ultimately reduce the disparity in employment and earnings in North Carolina, more women are needed in the growing science and technology fields such as construction, engineering and information technology. Also, more can be done to help create a work-life balance among women in North Carolina by expanding publicly-funded child care and early education for mothers who are employed, looking for work or pursuing education.
Governor Cooper’s Finish Line Grant aims to relieve unexpected financial emergencies such as childcare expenses that prohibits students from completing their coursework or training at a community college. Up to $7 million of federal funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act will be available for Finish Line Grants in the 2018-19 school year. In addition to childcare expenses, the Finish Line Grant can be used for course materials, housing, medical needs, dependent care and other financial needs. For more information on Governor Cooper’s Finish Line Grant visit https://governor.nc.gov. To read the full Status of Women in North Carolina: Employment & Earnings report, please visit the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement Division website at https://ncadmin.nc.gov/about-doa/divisions/council-for-women.
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