Sept. 13, 2006 — Our Town Frederiksted and the University of the Virgin Islands will certainly have something to celebrate Sept. 20 when ground is broken for the Frederiksted Community Training Center.
The two groups came together three years ago through a grant applied for by UVI. As a Historically Black College and University, UVI was able to apply for a grant that included the revitalization of some part of the community in which the university is located.
"OTF is dedicated to revitalization of the town of Frederiksted," said Ilene Garner, director of UVI Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) . "UVI was able to write the grant for funding to assist with the revitalization of some building," said Garner, adding that it seemed a natural collaboration.
The grant, valued at more than $541,000, is for renovations, travel, administration and other expenses associated with the revitalization. OTF received the land from a local property owner, and the completed building will be owned by OTF.
"UVICELL is responsible for courses and programs offered by the university that is not affiliated with an academic degree," said Garner. UVICELL will offer courses in continuing education, workforce training and customized training for businesses.
UVICELL also offers consulting to businesses. "We try to make sure the courses and programs meet the needs of the community," Garner said.
Additional funding of the grant comes from the Legislature, the West Indies Corp., the V.I. Public Finance Authority and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources' Community Development Block Grant program.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 23A Hospital Street in Frederiksted.
For more information, call Ilene Garner at 693-1101 or Apryl Gilliss at 692-4230.
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