Money for Shepherd College chemistry lab clears federal hurdle

December 09, 2003

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Federal funding for a chemistry lab at the Shepherd College Community and Technical College cleared a major hurdle Monday, according to U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito.

Capito, R-W,Va., announced Monday that the Community and Technical College is in line to receive $100,000 to build a chemistry laboratory on the Martinsburg campus for students taking part in the paramedic training program.

Currently, students taking part in certain programs in Martinsburg must commute to Shepherdstown, W.Va., for many laboratory courses. With this funding, students will be able to complete their entire associate's degree program in Martinsburg, Capito said in a news release.

Additionally, the completion of the lab will allow the Shepherd College Community and Technical College to add additional programs, according to the release.

"Expanding education opportunities is a top priority," said Capito. "The addition of the chemistry laboratory at the Martinsburg campus of Shepherd College Community and Technical College will not only benefit the students, but will have rippling effects throughout the region."

College officials are encouraged by the possible grant.

"I'm thrilled," said Allen Dulaney, director of Emergency Services and Allied Health Science at Shepherd College Community and Technical College. "Now the whole program will be self-contained in Martinsburg. This will allow us to expand our offerings in allied health sciences."

Capito secured the funding in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill, which has been rolled into the Omnibus Appropriations Act, Capito said in the release.

The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 242-176 and will be taken up by the Senate in January, Capito said.

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