The purpose of the CARES Act Rapid Credentialing Grant is to assist district postsecondary technical colleges to enroll and complete students in short term, in-demand workforce/career and technical education (CTE) credentialing and certificate programs. These funds are directed to connecting those unemployed, underemployed, or furloughed with training in an in-demand area of the regional workforce board. The funds will be used to expand and enhance existing programs, financial support to student via scholarship or payment of industry certification/licensure testing costs with a focus on rapid credentialing in the targeted employment sectors in Northwest Florida. Locklin Technical College estimates approximately 107 students will complete or earn a credential prior to the end of the award year addressing the negative economic impact of Covid-19 on our region. This project will have an estimated economic impact on our local community of over $2.3 million dollars based on average annual salary gain for targeted occupations as compared to current minimum wage.