PROVIDENCE – State officials announced the award of more than $2 million in grants for creation of Career and Technical Education programs this week, the largest of which will go to the Foster-Glocester School District for a green construction program.
The district was awarded $472,151 to build a CTE “Greenovation Lab,” a state of the art facility focused on careers in green construction.
The grants, part of the Rhode Island Department of Education’s CTE for All initiative, aim to expand access to high-quality CTE programs aligned with high-skill, high-growth industries of the future.
“From marine science to green construction and aviation, CTE for All grant funding will help Rhode Island students explore exciting career opportunities and help them graduate ready to thrive,” said Gov. Dan McKee in announcing the awards. “I congratulate all the winners and look forward to visiting these exciting programs.”
Currently, Ponaganset High School offers 15 CTE programs including Animal Sciences; Biomedical Science; Business; Computer Science; Computer Engineering; Construction Management; Criminal Justice; Education; Firefighting; Health and Fitness/EMT; Music and Performing Arts; Audio Production/Music Technology; Farms and Food; Pre-Engineering; and Visual Arts.
While the details regarding how the grant will be spent remain unclear, PHS construction technology teacher Charles Myers has an extensive background in green construction. Myers has worked with other career and technical schools throughout the state to improve Rhode Island’s construction curriculum has helped to develop energy-efficient construction curriculum with a focus on Energy Star-certified homes.
The new program in Ponaganset, like others in the state granted funding, is expected to be the first of its kind. The CTE For All initiative aims to help create workforce training programs in emerging and high-demand fields where no active programs currently exist
“Our CTE for All investments underscore RIDE’s commitment to ensuring every Rhode Island student has access to engaging, future-ready career pathways that set them up for long-term success,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Since 2019, Rhode Island has expanded CTE programming by more than 30% and we want to continue to grow to meet student and family interest. We are proud to partner with our LEAs and industry leaders to deliver innovative, hands-on programs that will prepare students to succeed in the 21st century economy.”
The state received 16 applications for the grants from districts across Rhode Island, nine programs were ultimately awarded funding. Each of the CTE programs is backed by partnerships with institutions such as Brown University, CCRI, New England Institute of Technology, University of Rhode Island, and a wide range of employers, nonprofits, and industry groups, according to a release on the awards.
“High-quality instruction is especially important when it comes to career and technical education,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “These programs allow students to get their feet wet in increasingly in-demand industries.”
Other award recipients were as follows:
- Providence Public Schools’ Juanita Sanchez Education Complex (JSEC), MRI Technician Program ($435,710): Will prepare students for careers in medical imaging, serving students in partnership with Brown Health and Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).
- Westerly/Lincoln Aviation Program ($408,719): Offers pathways to become licensed private or unmanned aircraft pilots.
- The MET – Veterinary Careers ($250,000): Will prepares students for certification as veterinary assistants/technicians.
- Narragansett – Marine Seafood and Tourism ($250,000): Will equip students with the skills and certifications to support Rhode Island’s Blue Economy.
- Warwick – Environmental Science and Energy ($61,420): Will focus on clean energy and environmental consulting pathways.
- Cranston-led Consortium ($57,500): Planning grant to develop regional Radiology and Respiratory Therapy programs across 13 LEAs.
- Central Falls – Interpretation and Translation ($42,500): Will train students for careers in multilingual communication across critical service sectors.
- Providence Public Schools’ Hope High School – Production Design ($22,000): Will introduce students to technical production, A/V management, and event design.
