MVCC programs receive grant to expand efforts

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), the Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE), and Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement (MVILR) have received a multiyear grant from the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

The grant seeks to connect the community with more opportunities for volunteer work and continuing education, and totals $346,130 over three years.

With this money, the CLE will work toward connecting regional leaders with volunteer opportunities through a volunteer and board-matching program. With previous funding, the CLE expanded programming to include its Neighborhoods Rising experience and Board Leadership series.

The CLE launched in 2018 as a partnership between Leadership Mohawk Valley and MVCC, blending expertise, resources, and programs to address the region’s need for community leaders.

The MVILR will use the funding to diversify its membership, implement membership incentives, expand programming, and incorporate additional perks such as One-Day University as it works to rebuild its membership in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit MVILR, located on the MVCC Rome campus, provides local seniors with opportunities for continuing intellectual and cultural enrichment. In May 2021, MVILR partnered with CLE to provide even more learning, wellness, and social opportunities for participants.

MVCC offers 90 degree and certificate programs to about 6,000 students and also serves another 6,000 people through corporate and community education programs.

 The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties’ mission, founded in 1952, says it has invested $100 million in the region.