MCCTC Receives $11.4M Grant for Expansion

CANFIELD, Ohio – The Mahoning County Career & Technical Center was awarded an $11.4 million state grant to expand education and training facilities. 

The grant, which was announced Friday by Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, will be used to expand and construct modernized classrooms and training centers, catering to a diverse array of programs such as engineering, manufacturing, electricity, computer networking and cybersecurity, welding and AI systems.

“This generous Career Technical Expansion Grant opportunity not only strengthens our current support of local employers but also ensures that a greater number of students can access these invaluable programs,” MCCTC Superintendent John Zehentbauer said. “We can now offer a broader range of cutting-edge training programs, bridging the gap between students’ aspirations and employers’ needs, ultimately fostering a stronger, more prosperous community for all.” 

MCCTC is one of 35 schools that will receive the grants, which total nearly $200 million, through the Career Technical Construction Program. The program aims to expand education and training facilities to serve more students.

“Ohio is on the rise,” DeWine said. “We have 54 companies coming to or expanding their operations into Ohio, creating thousands of jobs. We need all hands on deck to support this economic growth, and that’s why it’s vital that we help our career centers expand.”

Husted said the grants are helping give students the opportunity to be career-ready upon graduation.

“Having access to high-quality equipment that Ohio businesses use will help students swiftly transition from classroom to workplace,” he said.

The two state officials on Friday also announced the first application period for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program.

The grant applications are open to all Ohio schools that need to upgrade equipment so it aligns with what Ohio businesses use. Funding may be used to buy machinery, software, classroom supplies, curriculum and instructional materials and to cover operational costs.

“This significant investment means more than just state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment,” said Dee Smith, executive director of the Ohio Association of Career Technical Education. “It’s an affirmation to every student, parent, teacher and employer in Ohio that we believe in the potential and promise of CTE. Ohio is not just investing in facilities and equipment; we are investing in dreams, aspirations and the very future of our state.”

The application period for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program closes Dec. 15. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.