Massive educational grant prepares Virginia students for careers in STEM

(WFXR) — Seven school divisions around the Commonwealth — including three in southwest Virginia — will receive part of the $1.5 million in grants to help implement career and technical education programs.

According to officials, these programs will help prepare students for high-wage, in-demand careers.

“This investment will help students grow and get good jobs,” said Gov. Ralph Northam. “These programs are great opportunities for students to get valuable experience in industries with high-demand and high paying jobs.”

The funding is from the Career and Technical Education High School Innovation Grant, which provides one-time funding for school divisions. This will help students earn a high school diploma, industry-recognized credentials, and an associate degree in five years or less. The programs will provide students with mentorships and paid internships.

“I congratulate all of the school divisions receiving these competitive grants for creating new opportunities for their students to transition directly from school to rewarding careers in their own communities,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane. “I also wish to thank the community colleges and private sector partners that are providing work-based learning experiences and making it possible for students to complete associate degrees within a year of graduating from high school.”

Below are the seven divisions that received funding:

• Alexandria Public Schools: $200,000 to help expand existing college and career programs. It will target underrepresented student groups and first-generation college students.
• Alleghany County Public Schools: $497,756 to help develop a program to prepare graduates of Alleghany County and Covington public schools for healthcare careers. This will also include opportunities to earn advanced certifications or a degree.
• Buchanan County Public Schools: $98,651 to help provide work-based learning opportunities for students wanting to enter into health science and STEM careers while earning industry credential and an associate degree.
• Grayson County Public Schools: $205,550 to help prepare students for careers in health sciences and help fill employment needs in the health and medical fields.
• Radford Public Schools: $90,000 to create a way for students to earn an associates degree in information technology. The school district will be working with New River Community College and the 1901 Group to form this program.
• Stafford County Public Schools: $158,043 to help create a four to five year program for high school students to complete industry certifications in cybersecurity and earn an associate degree. The district will work along side with Germanna Community College and area businesses.
• West Point Public Schools: $250,000 will help provide acces to dual enrollment and CTE programs with associate degrees in health sciences and engineering technology. The school district is working with West Point, Mathews and Middlesex county public schools and Rappahannock Community College.