Mercer County Vocational School Receives $300,000 State Grant for Project

The Mercer County Vocational School received $300,000 for its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program-Project Lead the Way at Mercer County Community College as part of the $3 million County Vocational School District Partnership Grant program, the New Jersey Department of Education announced on Monday.

It was among six county vocational school districts to receive awards through the program this week. The program was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie in December.

The County Vocational School District Partnership Grant is a state-funded program in which county vocational school districts partner with business and industry, other school districts, county colleges or other entities to expand access and student opportunities in career and technical education (CTE) for high school students. The programs will be available for the 2015-16 school year.

The business partners on this project are KNF Neuberger, Palfinger, Nordson EFD, Guam, Inc. and Lawrence Mold and Tool.

“These awards will increase the number of high-quality career and technical education programs for students and provide pathways to earn industry-valued credentials or college credits in high school,” Commissioner of Education David C. Hespe said. “This Administration is committed to providing students the opportunity and resources to become college- and career-ready, and this program is further proof of that goal.”

County Vocational Schools will use their expertise to create new programs or replicate existing, successful CTE programs in partnership with at least one employer, business and industry association, or labor/trade organization in facilities not owned by the county vocational school district.

Districts were able to apply for as many as four different program models, including a pathway program that includes a two- and four-year college or university partnership where students earn dual credit related to a postsecondary degree program.

However, all districts were required to have a business/industry partner who can provide related work experience and/or the attainment of an industry-recognized credential/certificate.

The Department of Education’s County Vocational Partnership Grant web page contains additional information on the program.