BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Bucyrus City Schools has been awarded $696,675 through the Ohio Career Technical Education (CTE) Equipment Grant Program, Round II. This grant will enable the district to establish programs that equip students with industry-recognized credentials in advanced manufacturing, paving the way for potential careers in high-demand occupations featured on Ohio’s Top Jobs List.
With this funding, Bucyrus City Schools will develop two key educational spaces: the Innov8 Design & Makerspace Lab and the Industry Credential Learning Lab, serving students from grades 6 through 12. These labs will offer students opportunities for hands-on, interdisciplinary projects in design, engineering, and manufacturing, with a focus on preparing them for high-demand careers in automation and advanced manufacturing.
“We are excited to receive this grant, which builds new opportunities for our students to access cutting-edge, industry-grade equipment and curricula,” said Robert Britton, Superintendent of Bucyrus City Schools. “These programs will provide our students with a competitive edge, equipping them with the skills and credentials necessary to excel in high-demand industries, both locally and beyond.”
Britton explained that the district collaborated closely with the Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council, of which Bucyrus City Schools is a member, to build partnerships with local industries in the development of the proposed programs. This co-development ensured that the programs would create a strong talent pipeline for local and regional careers, with a focus on meeting workforce demands in automation and advanced manufacturing.
Bucyrus City Schools will further engage with the Business Advisory Council’s TurboCert Accelerated Industry Credentials Program taking place at the Crawford Success Center beginning in January 2025, establishing a robust set of credential programs open to all students in Crawford County.
“Our collective goal is to equip students for careers that are essential to Ohio’s economy,” said Amy Wood, Director of Special Projects at Mid-Ohio ESC and facilitator of the Business Advisory Council. “This grant for Bucyrus City Schools marks a major step toward that objective. We are excited to continue strengthening our partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions to ensure all students have access to the best opportunities for career success.”
For more information about the grant and the new credentialing programs at Bucyrus City Schools, please contact Superintendent Robert Britton.