For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Contact: Lindsay Blair
Public Information & Communications Officer
352-726-1931 ext. 2211
Citrus Schools Set to Receive Funding for Workforce Development Initiatives
Citrus Schools is pleased to share the exciting news that Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. has announced a significant investment exceeding $22 million from the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. Citrus County Schools will receive a portion of this grant which will expand our welding program. This substantial funding will support the creation or expansion of 30 programs aimed at enhancing workforce development throughout Florida. These programs are designed to offer Florida students hands-on educational experiences in various fields, including aerospace, biomedical science, digital video technology, aviation, and more.
“We are so excited for the opportunities this will bring our students,” says Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert. “Workforce development is a priority. This funding will allow us to expand our welding program to all three of our high schools, which in turn gives students a direct path to an available job after graduation.”
This initiative reflects Governor Ron DeSantis’ continuing commitment to providing students with opportunities to explore high-demand jobs with high-wages.
“Our unwavering commitment to stellar CTE education is receiving a crucial boost, and this grant will expand incentives across our vast offerings,” says School Board Chairman Thomas Kennedy. “We boast over 155 CTE courses, a treasure trove of 70 industry certifications, and connections to over 38 different Programs of Study Pathways spanning diverse industries.”
We are grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. for recognizing the innovation and programs we provide to our students in Citrus County.
This $22 million investment is part of a $100 million allocation made to the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. The program provides grants to school districts and Florida College System institutions to fund some, or all of the costs associated with the creation or expansion of career and technical education (CTE) workforce development programs that serve lead to industry certifications included on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List.