Grant Career Center is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $2.43 million grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The Career Technical Education Equipment Grant is a significant boost for the Career Center, allowing for the enhancement and expansion of several programs aimed at preparing students for careers in high-tech, in-demand fields.
The funds will be used for state-of-the-art equipment in the Construction Technology, Engineering, Allied Health, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Metal Fabrication programs. These programs align with the workforce needs in the Southwest Ohio region, Ohio’s Top Jobs List, and the Innovative Workforce Incentive Program administered by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, ensuring that students receive training in areas that are essential for the state’s economic growth and development.
Grant Career Center’s funding application, which was selected through a competitive process, included letters of support from 17 business and industry partners. The Career Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to HealthSource of Ohio, Mercy Health, University of Cincinnati, John R. Jurgensen Company, Messer Construction Co., Valley Interior Systems, Inc., Freeman Enclosure Systems, Airecon Manufacturing Corp., Integrated Test and Measurement, LLC., Milacron, Proctor & Gamble, Nestle’ Purina, Superalloy Manufacturing Solutions Corp., AMDGT Technologies, Inc., Encore Technologies, Orchestrate Technologies, Black Rhino, and Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development. These companies’ steadfast advocacy for Grant Career Center, not only highlights the collaborative spirit within our community, but also underscores the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry. “It is through our partnership with our region’s businesses and industries we ensure that we are equipping our students with the skills and capabilities that they need to succeed in their lives,” Mike Parry, Superintendent of Grant Career Center states. “Their support perpetuates the school’s success, and our success leads to a prepared workforce of tomorrow.”
“This equipment is going to move the Construction Tech program to the next level opening up new pathways and opportunities for our students. I believe this equipment will have our program in a whole new direction in the future. We are so grateful and excited.” – Kenny Carter, Construction Technology Instructor.
The Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program emphasizes the importance of supporting CTE programs that align with priority industry sectors and credentialing programs. “We firmly believe that with the equipment purchased through the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant, Grant Career Center will continue to produce highly skilled, competent healthcare professionals, ready to make a significant contribution to the healthcare sector,” states Sherri Kissinger, Practice Manager, Mercy Health. “We are excited about the prospects of this grant and the positive impact it will have on the quality of healthcare education and services in our community.” Another partner, Scott Warner, Black Rhino Manufacturing, Inc. says, “We firmly believe that the support of the Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program for Grant Career Center will have a substantial and positive impact on the future of manufacturing education. It will enable the center to produce graduates who are skilled, credentialed, and ready to meet the challenges of the modern manufacturing industry.”
Grant Career Center is grateful for the support of Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and the Ohio Legislature in allocating funds for this grant program. With $100 million set aside in the biennium budget, the state has demonstrated its commitment to promoting the expansion of career technical education and credentialing programs across Ohio. “Career Technical Education changes people’s lives. Education and workforce-preparedness have the power to change the trajectory of a family from generational poverty to a future of good wages and security,” Parry states. “The DeWine Administration recognized the unique commodity that Ohio has in a strong, state-wide Career Technical Educational system. The Ohio Career Tech system, including schools like Grant Career Center, leads the nation in preparing individuals for the high-tech, high-demand jobs of tomorrow. The Administration’s investment in Career Tech ensures that we can impact as many people in our region as possible.”
ShapeThis grant represents an exciting opportunity for the Career Center to further strengthen its programs and better serve its students and community by leveraging these funds to provide exceptional educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers in Ohio’s top industries.