White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) has announced the receipt of a U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to support healthcare workforce development.

WETCC President Anna Sheppard states, “We are excited to announce the addition of a medical simulation mobile unit to our college. This portable, hi-tech classroom will provide two training rooms for interactive student learning with Anishinaabe teachings embedded into the curriculum. This innovative facility aims to enhance the learning experience by providing flexible, technologically advanced environments for a variety of healthcare educational programs. This portable classroom aims to address the increasing need for qualified healthcare professionals in our tribal community and beyond. We are excited to expand our degree options at WETCC.”

The grant will provide mobile medical training units and related equipment to help nursing students prepare for good-paying, in-demand jobs. Through this initiative, graduating students will be equipped with the requisite skills and the opportunity to secure well-paying jobs within their community. By growing a skilled workforce, WETCC is paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come and serving the needs of the community.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Headwaters Regional Development Commission (HRDC). EDA funds HRDC 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.

The project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million with additional funds from the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022.