Delta, Ohio – September 25, 2024 – Pike-Delta-York Local Schools is thrilled to announce that Lt. Governor Jon Husted visited the district today to share exciting news: PDY Schools has been awarded $2.5 million in funding to support groundbreaking career technical education initiatives. This significant investment will help advance the district's commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers by enhancing hands-on learning opportunities and expanding career pathways.
The awarded funds will be used to build a state-of-the-art Career Explorations Lab at the middle school, offering students early exposure to various career fields and skills. This initiative will foster interest and readiness for future technical and vocational careers, ensuring students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in today’s dynamic job market.
Additionally, PDY Schools plans to launch a comprehensive farm-to-table initiative by constructing a greenhouse and an industrial kitchen. This program will provide students with real-world experience in agriculture, sustainability, culinary arts, and food science. By engaging students in the entire food production process—from growing ingredients to preparing meals—the initiative will promote healthy, sustainable practices while building valuable career skills.
The district will also transform its current industrial arts lab into a cutting-edge Innovation Lab, which will feature a virtual heavy equipment operator simulator, industry-grade metal fabrication equipment, and advanced engineering design tools. These upgrades will create an immersive, hands-on learning environment, allowing students to develop critical skills in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and design. This modernized lab will empower students to explore and excel in high-demand industries and trades.
"Today's announcement is a game-changer for our students and our community," said Jon Burke, Superintendent of PDY Schools. "With this generous support, we are not only preparing our students for the future workforce but also creating opportunities for hands-on learning that will inspire them to pursue careers in vital industries. We are incredibly grateful to Lt. Governor Husted and the state for this investment in our students’ futures."
Lt. Governor Husted emphasized the importance of career technical education in building a skilled workforce. "This funding will not only help students in Pike-Delta-York Schools prepare for in-demand careers but also strengthen Ohio's economy by creating a pipeline of talented individuals who are ready to contribute to industries across the state. By investing in career exploration and technical education, we are setting Ohio’s students up for long-term success."
PDY Schools' expansion of career technical education will support the district’s ongoing efforts to offer innovative educational experiences that meet the needs of both students and the community. These projects will help students build valuable skills, engage in real-world problem-solving, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce.
For more information about PDY Schools' Career Technical Education initiatives, please contact Jon Burke at jburke@pdys.org or visit pdys.org.