McDonnell Foundation Awards Workforce Learning Grant
August 25, 2026
Posted by STLCC in News Resources
The James S. McDonnell Foundation recently announced it awarded St. Louis Community College a grant for $834,400 to support the College’s Workforce Learning Connection technology infrastructure project.
The STLCC Workforce Learning Connection will provide career exploration and work-based learning programs for students in grades 6-12 beginning fall 2026. Middle school students participating in the program will gain awareness and explore careers options by way of career speakers, hands-on programs and worksite tours. High schoolers will gain career preparation and real-world application through workforce readiness and professional skills workshops, job shadowing, dual enrollment coursework and industry-recognized credentials through the Career & Tech Ed Academy. The WLC will also partner to host client-connected projects and internships for students with local employers.
The technology infrastructure project will design and deploy a centralized customer relationship management platform to serve as the operational backbone for the regional workforce learning ecosystem connecting employers, school districts, students and families.
“By providing a single, accessible platform for engagement, STLCC will help ensure students across St. Louis City and County, regardless of school district, can more easily discover and participate in workforce learning opportunities,” said Ellen Wottrich, executive director, K-12 programs. “Collaboration and support from partners like the McDonnell Foundation are key to the success of the Workforce Learning Connection.”
The platform will support coordination of career exploration activities, dual credit and dual enrollment participation, and work-based learning opportunities while providing tailored access points for employers, students and K-12 staff.
