Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Announce CCS Career-Technical Education Program as Recipient of Education Equipment Grant

CCS Awarded $431,800 for Engineering and Robotics Programs

September 26, 2024 — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced Columbus City Schools (CCS) as one of 34 schools receiving awards through the second round of the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program. With this announcement, 6,330 additional students across Ohio will have the opportunity to pursue a career-technical education.

“The second round of the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant will offer even more students hands-on experience and educational opportunities in a variety of in-demand, high-wage pathways,” said Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin. “This grant is essential for preparing students for success, strengthening their learning, and meeting the needs of Ohio businesses, ultimately improving the workforce.”

CCS and other awarded schools will use the funding to upgrade their equipment in an effort to teach students the skills needed by Ohio businesses. The awards will grow a variety of in-demand programs across the state including engineering, manufacturing, construction, and more.

“We're excited to launch a Robotics Smart Automation Program to meet the growing demands of the Columbus Region, especially in the auto and mobility sectors,” said CCS Director of Career-Technical Education Jenny Meade.

Announced in March, the first application period awarded 57 schools grants totaling just under $70 million to expand career-technical education access to an additional 10,545 students per year. In total, the two programs will offer new career-technical education access to 16,875 students. 

“Investing in our schools and making sure they have updated equipment for training is an investment into our students’ futures,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Providing the opportunity for more schools to purchase equipment so they can train additional students will set them – and our state – up for success.”

Of the 91 schools awarded, 58 were considered “traditional” high schools, meaning they previously did not offer career-technical education to their students, demonstrating the importance of teaching students the job skills they need to have a successful career in Ohio.

“We want every high school graduate to be career-ready, and to make that happen, students need to train on the same modern equipment they will have in the workplace,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “These grants will help the schools invest in that machinery and technology so their students will be ready to go to work when they graduate.”

For more information on the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program, visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/CTEEquipment.

For the full list of awards, click here.