McClain Delaney: Federal funding 'key' to community programs
LAVALE — With the help of federal funding, the Western Maryland Works Makerspace over the past few years prepared students to enter the workforce, and helped local businesses thrive.
After local manufacturing plants closed, WMW trained roughly 60 displaced employees for new jobs in the area.
In a setting where art meets science, the program matches people who want lucrative jobs with companies that need skilled workers.
'Federal dollars play a key role,' Rep. April McClain Delaney said. 'It's incredibly important.'
McClain Delaney — member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland's 6th congressional district — toured the Makerspace Thursday.
The 33,000-square-foot center is owned and operated by Allegany College of Maryland.
The Makerspace provides advanced manufacturing and workforce development for the region with cutting-edge training for students in fields such as machine tool technology, welding and robotics.
During the tour, McClain Delaney talked to three WMW students.
'They love what they're doing,' she said.
'This is the hope,' McClain Delaney said of kids who, after high school graduation, want to stay in the community and secure jobs that pay well.
'I wish there was more like this,' she said of the WMW program, which gives students 'skills that often AI can't replace.'
MakerspaceIn addition to training students, the Makerspace offers local residents scheduled use of tools including 3D printers and laser engravers.
The building features more than $8 million worth of equipment, said Tom McInroy, WMW's dean of continuing education and workforce development.
WMW Director Shawn Orourke said the facility has plans to expand its welding machinery for public use.
WMW Director Shawn Orourke
Western Maryland Works Director Shawn Orourke
The Makerspace has industrial and technical tools and instructional programs for hobbyists, students and entrepreneurs, he said.
'We want to work on all levels,' Orourke said. 'We're trying to develop classes to meet (the needs of) everybody.'
FundingMcClain Delaney said she's concerned about how the Trump administration's federal funding cuts could impact the facility and countless other programs and agencies, people and communities.
'I am furious ... it's nonsensical,' McClain Delaney said. 'It's gonna cost us more money in the long run.'
She talked of threats to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid services.
'All of these things together ... it's destabilizing our country,' McClain Delaney said. 'All of these things matter.'
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