A-Tech receives $6 million grant to expand

Shelley Terry, Star Beacon, Ashtabula, Ohio
·2 min read

Nov. 4—JEFFERSON — The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus (A-Tech) will receive a $6 million grant under the Career Technical Construction program, school officials said Friday.

This grant, part of $200 million allocated in the state budget for career technical education expansion, was made available through a competitive grant process and will facilitate the expansion of A-Tech's Public Safety Academy. In total, 59 grant proposals were submitted, and A-Tech's project was one of 35 selected for funding.

"This is huge news and I'm so very excited to see these funds coming to Ashtabula County to support A-Tech's expansion of space and programing," said County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski. "A-Tech is a gem we have in our county and the ability to expand to prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow right here in our backyard is an incredible thing."

Gov. Mike DeWine made the official announcement on Friday, marking a significant investment in the future of career and technical education in Ashtabula County.

Right now, A-Tech students take the criminal justice pathway during their junior year and the firefighter/EMT pathway during their senior year. The funding will enable A-Tech students to enroll in a two-year program in either pathway. This expansion allows students to gain more in-depth knowledge and practical experience in these critical public safety fields, A-Tech Superintendent Scott Wludyga said.

"We appreciate the support from Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted to expand opportunities for students in Ashtabula County," he said. "This funding will enable more students to gain meaningful experiences in our Public Safety Academy, helping them succeed as individuals, and strengthen our community."

County Commissioner J.P. Ducro said this is fantastic news.

"A-Tech is doing so many wonderful things in the community and this can expand opportunities for workforce development," he said.

This grant is part of a broader initiative to address the growing demand for career and technical education programs across the state. As enrollment in career centers like A-Tech has increased, programs have reached capacity, and students have been placed on waiting lists.

"Expanding our career technical center is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of our workforce," said County Commissioner Katheryn Whittington.

For more information about A-Tech and its programs, please visit www.a-tech.edu.