News Summary
Charlotte County Schools has received a $1.4 million grant from the Florida Department of Education to fund advanced manufacturing programs at Port Charlotte High School and Charlotte Technical College. The initiative will prepare students for careers in a rapidly growing industry by offering a variety of hands-on experiences and specialized classes, with programs launching in 2025 and 2026. This grant underscores the district’s commitment to providing valuable training and partnership opportunities that align with local business needs, ultimately shaping the future of education and employment in the region.
Charlotte County Schools Land $1.4 Million Grant for Advanced Manufacturing
Exciting Times Ahead for Students!
Charlotte County is buzzing with excitement, especially for students in Port Charlotte High School and Charlotte Technical College (CTC). The Florida Department of Education has just awarded the school district a whopping $1.4 million through the Workforce Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. This funding is set to kick off amazing new advanced manufacturing programs that will have students preparing for careers in a *cutting-edge* industry!
What’s the Plan?
The magic starts with $600,000 earmarked specifically for Port Charlotte High School, with plans for their advanced manufacturing program to roll out in August 2025. Meanwhile, CTC is cooking up its advanced manufacturing program and is on track to begin in January 2026. This means that students at both facilities will soon be diving into hands-on experiences that are *aligned* with high-demand job markets.
At Port Charlotte High School, the advanced manufacturing classes will be managed by Principal Louis Long, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. As for CTC, they are getting creative by leasing space in an industrial building just a stone’s throw away from Punta Gorda Airport. Under the guidance of Director Cynthia Gulsby, this location will foster collaboration with local businesses and create a seamless pathway for students to step right into the industry after graduation.
What Will Students Learn?
Students can expect an impressive curriculum tailored to meet the needs of the fast-evolving manufacturing sector. The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program at Port Charlotte High School will consist of three classes: Advanced Manufacturing Technology 1, 2, and 3. On the other hand, CTC’s offerings will include four essential classes: Entry-Level Production Worker, Production Quality and Assurance, Manufacturing and Production Processes, and Manufacturing and Production Maintenance. This comprehensive approach is designed to give students a *well-rounded* understanding of the field.
Getting the Word Out
While the official promotion of these valuable programs is slated to begin in January 2025, anticipations are already high, and interest is expected to be significant. Local partners in the industry, such as the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association, Space Florida, and the Florida Semiconductor Institute, are stepping in to support these initiatives, ensuring that students receive the most relevant and up-to-date training available.
Community Support and Future Opportunities
Superintendent Mark Vianello has painted this funding as a substantial investment not only in the students but in the entire community. It aligns perfectly with the partnership with Space Florida, presenting younger generations with *cutting-edge* training and certifications that will meet industry standards.
Future employment opportunities will be bolstered by partnerships that allow students to engage in internships and apprenticeships—an incredible chance to gain real-world experience while still in school. Derek Rooney, president of the Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership, emphasized that these programs will equip students with vital skills that align with the needs of local businesses.
More Than Just Manufacturing
But wait, there’s more! This initiative is part of a larger effort the school district is making to provide various career options. For instance, Space Florida offers programs for students interested in aerospace and related fields. Additionally, CTC is also building a new Airframe and Powerplant training center, expected to open by December 2025, further expanding its aviation program and accommodating students’ interests.
What About Tuition?
Great news for aspiring students! High schoolers eligible for dual enrollment at CTC will attend at zero tuition cost. However, for adults who have already graduated, the tuition will be approximately $5,000 to $6,000 each year for the programs at CTC—an investment that promises valuable returns in the job market.
Charlotte County is truly on the path to greatness with these new manufacturing programs. The future looks bright for students eager to explore promising careers in advanced manufacturing. Stay tuned for more updates because exciting times are ahead!
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
