Over 160 people completed Vegas PBS's Workforce Training and Economic Development program last Saturday. The online school offers training in areas such as medical assistance, IT, and entrepreneurship. It is now facing challenges due to recent federal funding cuts. Asia Crowfield, a recent graduate, shared, "Now that all my kids are in school, I’m ready to put my foot back in, and this was the perfect stepping stone for me to get back into the workforce and do something that matters. It’s important to help my community in the medical field," according to 8 News Now.
Federal funding that supports programs like those at Vegas PBS may be reduced due to budget cuts by Congress to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Vegas PBS is preparing to cut $3.8 million from its budget over the next two years. KTNV reported that Debra Solt, Workforce Training and Development Director, said, "It just saddens me because there are people out there that need to get ahead, that need the guidance and direction, and I feel like this program makes it so much more possible."
Ginger Morales, who celebrated with Crowfield and others, told KTNV about the impact of workforce development programs, saying, "My mom is like my biggest inspiration... [she] has always taught me to be strong." These programs provide job skills and personal growth opportunities for participants and their families. Vegas PBS, which offers over 400 career programs and more than 1,000 short-term and compliance courses, is facing budget cuts. "Losing two million dollars out of an already approved budget is going to be a significant hole to fill, but I'm confident that we will fill it, I'm confident that Vegas PBS will be here for all of Southern Nevada in whatever way we can," said Mare Mazur, President and CEO.
