The Skowhegan Savings Foundation has announced a $1 million multi-year fund dedicated to addressing workforce development needs in the Maine communities that Skowhegan Savings Bank serves.
“We are excited to further our workforce development initiatives with this dedicated fund,” said John Witherspoon, foundation chair and former Skowhegan Savings Bank CEO, in a release from the bank. “Having a skilled and well-prepared workforce is crucial for the success our local economies. We look forward to partnering with community leaders to allocate funds and to expand training and educational opportunities for Mainers.”
Over the next five years, the workforce development fund will be awarding grants in partnership with nonprofit organizations, local government leaders, business leaders and education programs to address trade, technical and modern educational needs.
“Many of the businesses in our communities are struggling to meet demand for their products and services due to the lack of a skilled workforce. This dedicated fund will bridge the gap by providing funds to expand and enhance technical training programs, early education programming, and ongoing professional development,” said Skowhegan Savings Bank CEO and President David Cyr. “We are committed to equipping people in our communities to find a rewarding career that brings them competitive pay and personal satisfaction.”
To request a workforce development grant application, complete an online application at landing.skowhegan.com. Applicants are encouraged to highlight how their request will support the Skowhegan Savings Foundation’s focus of developing a skilled workforce and community of entrepreneurs to support economic development in the communities it serves. Eligible organizations may submit only one application per calendar year with applications due on a quarterly basis.
The Skowhegan Savings Foundation has funded numerous workforce development initiatives statewide. Several recent examples include:
• $250,000 pledge to the new Skowhegan Early Learning Center, which is scheduled to open in 2025. Through partnership with Kennebec Valley Community Action Program and Maine School Administrative District 54, the center will provide childcare and prekindergarten education for 160 students ages infant to 11 years old.
• $50,000 to establish a welding training center at Madison Area Memorial High School with programming provided by the Somerset Career & Technical Center.
• $50,000 to Dirigo Labs Business Accelerator, a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville. Startups are guided through a targeted curriculum to execute their project plans, working with a curated board of local and national advisors from a range of industries.
• $45,000 to the Mechanized Logging Operations Program that will help address the shortage of equipment operators by providing training for the next generation of skilled workers in Maine’s forestry industry.
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