CCTC to get nearly $103K

READING — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted this week announced the recipients of the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program which will expand career technical education access to an additional 10,345 students across the state. The funding helps schools purchase up-to-date equipment so they can better prepare students to be career-ready upon graduation.

“Investing in our schools is an investment into our students’ futures,” DeWine said. “Allowing more schools to purchase equipment so they can train more students will set them and our state up for success.”

“New technologies are transforming the economy, and to prepare students for those careers, we need to invest in the machinery, technologies, and training that educators need to prepare students for the growing number of careers in the Ohio economy,” Husted said. “Through these investments, thousands more students will graduate high school career-ready — prepared for careers without college debt and providing Ohio employers with the talent they need to compete globally.”

Through the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program, 56 schools will receive grants totaling more than $67.7 million, expanding career technical education access to an additional 10,345 Ohio students. Recipients will use the funding to purchase new equipment for career technical and compact schools across Ohio for various programs including engineering, manufacturing, health sciences, construction, and more.

In Lawrence County, Collins Career technical Center will receive $102,840.06.

“Ohio’s career and technical education programs are essential to advancing workforce readiness opportunities for students,” Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, said. “These grants will ensure schools are providing dynamic teaching and learning experiences and giving students the hands-on training, essential knowledge, and valuable skills to succeed.”

Funding for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program was included in the 2024-2025 state operating budget in addition to $200 million for the Career Technical Construction Program. Announced by DeWine and Husted in November 2023, 35 schools received awards to update or expand their career tech facilities.

The second round of the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant will open later this spring. Schools interested in applying for the second round can visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/CTEEquipment.