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ALPENA – Alpena Public Schools (APS) will continue to build pathways to great futures for our students and serve as an economic engine for the future of Northeast Michigan. Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities available to students at APS are growing thanks to $3,045,781 dollars in 61V CTE Expansion Grants awarded to the district.
61V CTE Expansion Grants are considered restricted funds which means they are audited financial resources legally required by the Michigan Legislature for use in specific programs, activities, or populations that cannot be diverted for general operational expenses.
The Section 61v Michigan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Expansion Grant helps Michigan school districts launch high-demand career pathways in high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand fields like IT, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and business.The investment and growth of pathways and expansion to junior high will have tremendous positive impact for our students, families and community.
New and expanded career pathways for APS students in grades 6-12 will include:
– Engineering/Robotics/Advanced Manufacturing
– Construction
– Computer Science and Networking
– Health Occupations
In addition to these new and expanded pathways, AHS will also offer a CTE Finance pathway. Students in the Finance, Business, and Marketing pathways will also now have the opportunity to enroll in the College Board's newest offering, AP Business and Personal Finance.
These programs will strengthen the career prospects of our students as they are added to the eleven current award winning Career and Technical Education options:
– Agriscience & Natural Resources
– Automotive Technology
– Business Management
– Digital Media
– Construction Technology
– Health Care Occupations
– Marketing
– Robotics & Engineering
– Teacher Academy
– Woodworking
– Welding Technology
“These new and expanded career pathways directly respond to our local workforce shortages and community needs,” stated Dr. Jessica Gillard, APS CTE Director. “By aligning our curriculum with high-demand industries, we are giving our students a clear leg up toward high-wage, high-skill careers right here in Northeast Michigan.”
In total, Alpena Public Schools was awarded $3,045,781 across eight applications, making APS the single largest 61v grant recipient in the state for this funding round. Out of over $44 million distributed statewide across dozens of districts, APS secured the highest overall funding allocation to support its comprehensive K-12 career pathway initiative.