Laser cutters are expensive. A 3D state of the art laser cutter was out of the reach for FLSD Computer Science teacher Mr. Chuck Latto. He knew that students would benefit from learning about this type of technology, so he searched for grant funding. Through his research, he found that funding was a possibility through Ohio’s Career Technical Education Equipment Grant. This grant addresses hands-on learning for some of the most in demand jobs in Ohio.
Large grants were also available, so Mr. Latto teamed up with Mrs. Lori Roemer, Director of Educational Services at FLSD, to create a grant proposal that would initially benefit all 420 students at Firelands Middle School. The two focused on providing access to specialized training, preparing students for the workforce, career exploration, promoting college readiness, and personalized learning. The course will also expand to Freshmen through the Industry 4.0 Fundamentals program. High school students will have opportunities to earn The Industry-Recognized Credential Seal and SACA certification. The total ask for their proposed grant was $487,829.44.
Their grant proposal, combined with support from the community and local employers, would provide advanced skills and possible SACA certification options for students upon graduation. The skills, obtained by students in the program, would support graduates entering the workforce or higher education by preparing them for some of the highest projected growth industries in Ohio.
174 districts applied for funding and Firelands is one of 56 that were selected for this ground breaking initiative! The grant funding, announced by Governor Mike DeWine, “will give young people the abilities and tools to meet the needs of incoming Ohio businesses. Students across the state of Ohio will be better equipped to secure well paying jobs, possibly even before they leave high school.” During the announcement, it was shared that the FLSD CTE Grant Proposal was fully funded in the amount of $487,829.44!
Mr. Latto, FLSD 6-12 Computer Science Teacher stated, ““Bringing Industry 4.0 and Advanced Manufacturing training to Firelands School District is a thrilling opportunity to help prepare our students for the future. Manufacturing technology is evolving at an exponential pace, and it is important to provide our students with experiences that will prepare them for high-demand careers that involve key areas such as Cyber-Physical Systems, Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and AI. It is exciting to be able to introduce these topics in middle school, while providing additional opportunities for high school students to earn industry recognized micro-credentials through SACA.”
Firelands will be supported by Amatrol and Buckeye Educational Systems. Amatrol is the global leader in CTE courses with their training solutions being used in all 50 states and over 50 countries. Their work-based curriculum (a combination of classroom, online and hands-on learning) will provide technical depth to learn and understand the industry needs and requirements. Over $450,000 worth of machinery, software, classroom supplies, curriculum and instructional materials will soon arrive at the FLSD campus to support learning in the areas of construction technology, health and biomedical, Information technology, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, transportation technology and agriculture. In addition, all curriculum, materials and licensing is included with the grant funding. Buckeye Educational Systems will support the curriculum and work in partnership with Amatrol and Firelands Local Schools in order to maximize the potential of growth within our students.
Lori Roemer, Director of Educational Services said, “expanding courses for our students in the field of industry and advanced manufacturing will empower them. This new course is not just an opportunity, but a promise of their limitless potential. With this grant we pave the way for their academic journey for many possibilities while igniting passions that will shape their future.”
This turnkey grant supports the required professional development for Mr. Latto. It also funds the work-based curriculum (a combination of classroom, online and hands-on learning) to provide technical depth to learn and understand the industry needs and requirements. The new machinery, software, classroom supplies, and materials will soon arrive to support Industry 4.0 and Advanced Manufacturing training for Firelands students! The 3D laser cutter has also been ordered!
The official News Release can be found here:
Governor DeWine’s New Release can be found here.
Firelands Local Schools Blog 
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