Mentor Schools Receives $2.2 Million Grant for Career Technical Education

March 4, 2024 - Mentor Public Schools is excited to announce the district is a recipient of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Career Technical Education Equipment Grant. Mentor Schools was awarded $2,223,843.68 per the grant to expand educational opportunities for students. The first-round grant recipients were announced on Monday, March 4, by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.  

Mentor Schools plans to use the grant funding for new programming at Mentor High School, called Career Academies, beginning next school year. You can read more about the Career Academies offerings, via this catalog of courses. Craig Heath, Superintendent of Mentor Schools shared, "Our Mentor Schools Career Academy initiative marks a significant leap forward in preparing students for the dynamic demands of the modern workforce. 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."

Dr. Joe Glavan, Director of Workforce Development for Mentor Schools and Lakeland Community College added, "The leadership of Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted, alongside collaborative efforts among businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, have been pivotal in our journey towards bridging the skills gap. 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”.

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.