Grants Support Two New Programs for Wallingford High School Students

As school starts next week, plans are already underway to launch or expand new career-education classes for Wallingford high school students in the 2013–14 school year. Thanks to $70,000 in federal funding from the Card D. Perkins Innovation program, three separate grants will support expansion of a new aquaculture program, the launch of a new business-skills program, and training for an existing online program that allows students to explore college and career choices.

Aquaculture Program Comes to Lyman Hall

The first grant, for $33,060, will fund expansion of the aquaculture program at Lyman Hall High School’s vocational-agricultural center. Through the program, students have the opportunity to learn about the farming of fish and aquatic plants.

According to School Superintendent Dr. Salvatore Menzo, the initial phases of the aquaculture program have been implemented. The school already has large fish tanks for students to grow tilapia and salmon. The grant money will be used to add more upper-level aquaculture classes to the program.

Students to Run Their Own Printing Business

The second grant, for $15,444, will allow students from both Lyman Hall and high schools to run an actual printing business together. Students will do some of the printing for the school district that is now done by outside vendors, according to Sheehan High School Assistant Principal Todd Snyder.

The grant money will pay for equipment to produce posters, stickers, banners, and other items. One high school will be responsible for production and the other for sales and marketing, Snyder explained. Students will gain real-world experience, and at the same time, save the district money on printing costs.

Online College and Career Exploration

The third grant, for $21,096, will fund training in the use of Naviance, an online program that allows students to explore college and career options. All Wallingford students begin using the Naviance system in sixth grade, Menzo says.

Through Naviance, students take surveys to determine their interests and potential career paths. The program provides information about different professions, including the education and training needed. It also gives information about colleges, such as the majors they offer and the grades and test scores required for admission. Students can use this information to set goals for their high school careers.

Carl D. Perkins Innovation Grants support students in career and technical education programs. These grants, from the U.S. Department of Education, are administered by state departments of education.