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Carroll Community College partners with Vehicles for Change
Carroll Community College announced a new partnership with Vehicles for Change, a nonprofit aiming to help low-income families overcome transportation barriers while providing automotive career training.
According to college officials, the collaboration brings VFC’s programming to the county in a way that coincides with the school’s mission to “empower learners, change lives and build community.”
Carroll Community and VFC hope to reach several objectives through the partnership, some of which include: helping families gain access to affordable, reliable vehicles, enabling better job access, health care and family time; enabling students and returning citizens to receive hands-on training in automotive technology; and impacting the community through increased workforce participation and financial stability.
“This partnership with Vehicles for Change reflects our shared commitment to creating real pathways to opportunity,” said Kelly Koermer, vice president of workforce, business & community education at Carroll Community.
“By connecting families with reliable transportation and offering hands-on training in automotive technology, together we’re helping individuals move forward — toward employment, education, and a better quality of life.”
VFC has accomplished the following since it was established in 1999, according to a release:
- Awarded over 8,000 vehicles to families in need.
- Positively impacted more than 26,000 lives.
- Helped recipients increase annual earnings by an average of $7,000.
- Reduced daily commutes by up to 90 minutes.
In an effort to support VFC’s mission Carroll Community College identifies eligible families for the Car Award Program, promoting local vehicle donations to sustain the program. School officials said community members can donate a vehicle – running or not – and families in need may apply for a vehicle.
