WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that a $136,000 grant has been awarded from the U.S. Department of Labor for Three Rivers Community College.  The funds are from the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative and will be used for expanding and improving the college’s nursing program.

“I’m excited for two reasons – first, Three Rivers Community College has shown an incredible amount of merit in earning this award; second, I can think of few programs better suited to make the most out of the grant award than a nursing program which will train health care professionals for our rural part of the country,” Emerson said.

Emerson says the grant will enable TRCC to accept more nursing students, creating momentum for broader access to health care for residents of Southern Missouri.

“We are fortunate to have so many skilled young men and women who want to pursue careers in the health care professions, and they also want to serve the communities they grew up in.  I can’t think of a better way to help them achieve that dream that by bringing quality, affordable health care opportunities to our part of the state.  I’m truly excited about the great program that will be expanded by the dedicated faculty at Three Rivers.”