Congressman Hoyer Encourages Community to Make Sound Investment in Community Trade and Transportation Skills

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North Point High School Principal Kim Hill, left, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) and Bonnie Green, executive director of the Patuxent Partnership, listen as Lloyd Staggs, a CSM construction management student, relates how the courses he has taken through CSM have already helped him pass a licensure test and increase his project management skills at the company for which he works. Congressman Hoyer visited CSM’s La Plata Campus April 28 to present a ceremonial check for $286,899 to supplement the college’s trades and transportation training initiative.

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“This is a chance for us to make an investment which will make our community better. An investment in people…that is the best investment you can make,” said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) shortly before he presented the College of Southern Maryland with a ceremonial check for $286,899 for the development of the college’s trades and transportation training initiative. The initiative is one of five in CSM’s “Campaign for the Next 50 Years.” For information on the college’s major gifts campaign, visit www.csmd.edu/foundation.

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Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) discusses transportation trades with Eric “Mac” McCollum, a CDL driver training instructor at the College of Southern Maryland. Hoyer visited the college’s La Plata Campus April 28 to present a check for $286,899 for the development of its trades and transportation programs. Enrollment in CSM’s trades and transportation courses has tripled in the last five years. By 2015, the college projects that it will serve more than 4,000 students in the areas of transportation and trades.

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“In this nation, we need many different types of skills, but the skills of electricians, plumbers and artisans are too often lost or not perceived as an option. But, developing these skills can be incredibly rewarding, mentally and financially,” said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) during his visit to the College of Southern Maryland’s La Plata Campus April 28. The congressman was on campus to present the college with a ceremonial check for $286,899 to assist in the development of the college’s new Boot Camp, a 10-week intensive training program designed to prepare entry-level employees for future apprenticeships as future electricians, carpenters and other trade professionals with local, regional and national employers.

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On April 28, Congressman Steny Hoyer presented a ceremonial check for $286,899 to the College of Southern Maryland to help fund the college’s trades and transportation initiative. The initiative which is part of the college’s “Campaign for the Next 50 Years” seeks to create a regional center for trades and transportation. The funds secured by Congressman Hoyer will permit the college to jumpstart an innovative program to develop a 10-week Boot Camp that will prepare students for apprenticeships in carpentry, electrical and HVAC service careers. Trades and transportation careers are expected to remain one of the top 10 employment growth areas during the next decade. “This may only be a few thousand dollars but the students who benefit from it will turn this investment into millions and millions of dollars of returns to our society…I thank every taxpayer that supports this type of investment and guarantee you it will change lives,” said Hoyer.