LITTLETON, NH — White Mountains Community College (WMCC) recently broke ground on its new Advanced Technology Building at the Littleton Academic Center with support from Milton CAT and Caterpillar Foundation.

Students, faculty, community members, and dignitaries including Governor Chris Sununu gathered to celebrate a shared goal of improving access to quality education, increasing regional recruitment, and helping WMCC meet current and future workforce needs in the North Country by growing high-demand programs. The 10,000-square-foot building will be home to WMCC’s Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology program as well as an innovation lab, a welding lab, and flexible learning spaces.

In March, Milton CAT made a $200,000 donation to support the construction, equipment, infrastructure, and program development for the Advanced Technology Building as part of WMCC’s larger Build Community Expansion. Following Milton CAT’s donation, the Caterpillar Foundation granted $25,000 as part of the Caterpillar Dealer Excellence Fund (DEF). The DEF program aims to strengthen schools’ technical curriculum and faculty development in hopes of increasing the number of qualified technicians in the heavy equipment industry.

“We’re excited about continuing to build partnerships with the greater Littleton community, and with their support, we are proud to be breaking ground for our new Advanced Technology Building which is being built with the ever-changing needs of our local workforce in mind,” WMCC President Dr. Chuck Lloyd said. “The generous support from Milton CAT and the Caterpillar Foundation has been instrumental in helping us get this project underway to train the next generation of technicians and mechanics.”

“Access to high-quality technical and safety training can truly change the lives of students and those within our community. We are so proud to be able to give back by supporting such an important pillar of our community as WMCC,” said Chris Robichaud, Milton CAT Representative. Throughout the years, Milton CAT has donated machines, diagnostic equipment, engines, and PPE; led workshops; assisted with instructor development; and provided students with internship, co-op, scholarship, and employment opportunities.