The Vanguard Sentinel Career & Technology Centers (VSCTC) is among 54 Ohio school districts to be awarded grant money through the Innovative Workforce Incentive Program. VSCTC was awarded $675,347 of the $13.5 million that will be used to establish new programs for high school students to earn industry-recognized credentials and complete pre-apprenticeship opportunities.

New expanded programming will cover manufacturing and engineering, health care, and construction sectors. VSCTC has implemented a Bronze through Platinum Program model to ensure area students have a multitude of training options available.

Traditionally, junior and senior students participated in the various programs. Now students can now start as early as freshman while exploring various career paths. Sophomores can now apply for a full program.

The Bronze through Platinum programming gives opportunities for 1 year, 2 year, 3 year, and 4 year training programs in their field of choice. Now students are able to start at a younger age, or if not ready to make that decision can decide later and still have an opportunity to receive quality technical training in a specific skill.

“We are known for offering high quality career tech programs. This new multiple entry point model means more students can take advantage of what we offer,” explains Superintendent Greg Edinger. “Currently we have close to 1,200 students benefitting from our technical training, but this grant means we can reach more students while ensuring our programs remain strong and effective and meet the standards of excellence people expect from us.”

This grant funding will be utilized for:

• Expanding pre-apprenticeship offerings.
• Creating options for students to learn both on and off campus.
• Providing students the opportunity to meet graduation requirements and be career ready with an industry-recognized credentials.
• Aligning the skills students learn in school with the requirements of the labor market.