After being conferred with funds totalling millions of dollars from the Ohio professional Technical Education Equipment Grant Program, the school districts of Mentor and Riverside have announced intentions to invest in their professional technical education classes.
The districts were listed in a news release from Gov. Mike DeWine’s office as part of the 56 grant recipients that were revealed on March 4. The initiative used money from the state operating budget for 2024–25 to grant more than $67.7 million to schools around Ohio.
Mentor Schools declared that it plans to fund new Career Academies programs for the upcoming academic year with its more than $2.2 million funding. Aviation, business, job readiness, construction, culinary arts, digital media, emergency medical technician skills, and shadowing opportunities for young people are among the eight academies that will be covered.
“Our Mentor Schools Career Academy initiative marks a significant leap forward in preparing students for the dynamic demands of the modern workforce,” said district Superintendent Craig Heath in a news release. “With the support of this grant, we’re excited to offer programs that not only delve into diverse careers but also provide industry-recognized credentials.”
“The leadership of Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. (Jon) Husted, alongside collaborative efforts among businesses, educational institutions and government agencies, have been pivotal in our journey towards bridging the skills gap,” said Mentor Schools Director of Workforce Development Joe Glavan in the news release.
“Through initiatives like Mentor Career Academies, fueled by this $2.2 million dollar grant, we’re nurturing the talent Ohio needs to thrive in the 21st century while also empowering students to thrive in their chosen paths,” he added.
In the meantime, Riverside Schools declared that it will use the $2.5 million award to finance supplies, machinery, and an expansion for its advanced manufacturing, health care, and construction programs at the Riverside Campus.
The district stated in a news release that “a lack of space has limited the development of these programs, and the district hopes to see increased enrollment as a result of the additional learning space.”
