3 Mahoning Valley schools receive over $2 million to expand career-technical training
United Local Schools is the most recent recipient of a major grant that will help expand career-technical education opportunities for students.
It’s the second round of Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment grants from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office in an effort to grow engineering, construction and manufacturing training for students across the state.
Three Mahoning Valley schools received funding through the second round of the grants.
Valley STEM+ME2 Academy, part of the Mahoning County Career and Technical College, will receive $649,018.
Brookfield Local Schools in Trumbull County was approved for a grant of $1.4 million.
To teach students the skills needed by Ohio businesses, Gov. DeWine approved the grants for 34 schools, giving 6,330 additional students across Ohio the opportunity to pursue a career technical education.
“Investing in our schools and making sure they have updated equipment for training is an investment into our students’ futures,” said Gov. DeWine. “Providing the opportunity for more schools to purchase equipment so they can train additional students will set them – and our state – up for success.”
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce director Stephen D. Dackin said the grants will offer more students with vital, hands-on experience preparing them for “in-demand, high-wage pathways” in their careers.
“This grant is essential for preparing students for success, strengthening their learning, and meeting the needs of Ohio businesses, ultimately improving the workforce,” said Dackin.
State Rep. Lauren McNally said $744,464 in state funding has been approved for United Local Schools in Columbiana County to be used for upgrading equipment in the school’s agriculture and construction courses.
“I’m very happy for our students at United Local Schools and the increased learning opportunities available to them as a result of this funding,” said Rep. McNally. “Our kids deserve public money in public schools and the best equipment we have to offer so they can be exposed to and prepared for the world.”
During the first round of Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment awards, 57 schools received grants totaling just under $70 million to expand career technical education access to an additional 10,545 students per year.
“We want every high school graduate to be career-ready, and to make that happen, students need to train on the same modern equipment they will have in the workplace,” said Lt. Governor John Husted. “These grants will help the schools invest in that machinery and technology so their students will be ready to go to work when they graduate.”