The Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Richland County has been awarded with a state grant of just over $6.5 million.
Pioneer, which is located in Shelby, is one of 35 schools in Ohio that will receive a total of $200 million to expand education and training facilities to serve more students. The dollars for Pioneer will be used for programs in welding and electrical trades.
Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Announce Career Tech Construction Grant Awards,
New Equipment Funding Opportunity
(KETTERING, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today announced that 35 Ohio schools will receive grants totaling almost $200 million through the Career Technical Construction Program, helping expand education and training facilities to serve more students. At the event, they also announced the launch of the first application period for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program, which opened today.
“Ohio is on the rise. We have 54 companies coming to or expanding their operations into Ohio, creating thousands of jobs,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “We need all hands on deck to support this economic growth, and that’s why it’s vital that we help our career centers expand.”
“With this announcement, not only are we creating more opportunities for all Ohio students to earn a career technical education, but we are also giving them more opportunities to be career-ready when they graduate,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Having access to high-quality equipment that Ohio businesses use will help students swiftly transition from classroom to workplace.”
Of the 59 applicants for the Career Technical Construction Program, 35 were awarded almost $200 million. This funding will be used to build and expand classrooms and training centers at JVSDs, compacts, and comprehensives across Ohio in various programs like engineering, manufacturing, health sciences, construction, and more.
The application for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program opens today and closes December 15th. The funding opportunity is open for all schools in Ohio who need to upgrade their equipment to teach their students with equipment Ohio businesses use in the workplace. Funding may be used to purchase equipment including machinery, software, classroom supplies, operational costs, curriculum, materials for instruction, and more.
"This significant investment means more than just state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment. It's an affirmation to every student, parent, teacher, and employer in Ohio that we believe in the potential and promise of CTE. Ohio is not just investing in facilities and equipment; we are investing in dreams, aspirations, and the very future of our state," said Dee Smith, Ohio Association of Career Technical Education Executive Director.
Schools interested in applying for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program can visit education.ohio.gov/Topics/Career-Tech/Program-Enhancements/Expanding-Opportunities-for-Workforce-Readiness