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CHAMPION -- The Trumbull Career and Technical Center is seeking $2.5 million in funds for equipment and other items for a planned industrial technology and technical construction program.
Superintendent Jason Gray said at a recent meeting the center is seeking the equipment grant through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Gray said what is being planned is an industrial program building that will be a 12,900-square-foot building at the southeastern side of the current building near the auto service program area.
Officials said the governor's capital budget for career and technical construction programs is $200 million.
"We can expand on industrial programs, which are in high demand by companies. The industrial program will be amazing. Students are interested. We are hopeful for getting funds," Gray said.
Officials said these new programs will allow for 100 more students.
The structure would begin being built in the 2024-25 school year.
"If we get this, it will mean amazing things for the school and open up many opportunities for the students," he said.
"By creating new programs we will also increase enrollment," added Director Paula Baco.
She said students in their junior year will be able to explore the industrial programs, and in their senior year they will be let out into the workforce under internships. Baco said part of the building will be shared labs, classroom spaces and restrooms.
She said the proposed project and concept have received support from the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Star Manufacturing, Trumbull County Planning Commission and Trumbull County Educational Service Center.
Baco said there also has been discussion that the programs could be offered after school or in the summer months, when students from other schools could come and earn basic credentials.
In other business, officials said the center is looking at adding new programs in the 2024-25 year, including digital marketing and drones and aviation.
The Air Force JROTC program will no longer be offered with the last class ending this spring, officials said. With Air Force JROTC being cut, the board accepted the resignation of Renee Noel as its instructor. She served three years at the center.