Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1 million grant to Wichita State University (WSU) in Wichita, Kansas, to support medical workforce training in the region.
This grant will provide state-of-the-art audiology equipment for WSU’s new biomedical training facility. This EDA investment will be matched with $1 million in local funds and is expected to create 50 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“The Biden-Harris Administration knows American workers fuel our country’s economic competitiveness, which is why we’re investing in the training programs Kansas workers need to get skills for in-demand jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support workforce training in the audiology medical field, helping create a skilled workforce and increasing quality jobs in the region.”
“The U.S. Economic Development Administration supports locally led, place based economic development,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “This project will provide state-of-the-art equipment to train and develop a strong workforce in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, supporting a strong regional economy.”
“Wichita State University is equipping students with the skills they need to provide excellent medical care and excel in their careers,” said Senator Jerry Moran. “This investment from the Economic Development Administration will deliver state-of-the-art technology to WSU to provide students with top-notch training in audiology medicine.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South-Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD). EDA funds SCKEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jo