Perham Public Schools Receives $100,000 Grant for Youth Skills and Training: What it Means for Our Students

Perham Public Schools in Minnesota has received a $100,000 Youth Skills and Training grant from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. The school is among 17 in the state to get this grant. The grant's purpose is to support the growth of programs that offer career exposure and paid work experience for students aged 16 and above. The funds will be used for staff training, development of Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum, new industry certifications, and work-based learning experiences for students.

Darren Glynn, Perham’s Work Based Learning Director, shared his enthusiasm about the grant. He noted that the grant will help the school to increase its current certifications in welding, CNA and CDL, and add power sports, marine certifications, mechatronics, drone technology, and culinary curriculum. The school aims to give all seniors at least one industry experience before graduation.

Nicole Blissenbach, the Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner, highlighted the role of these grants in assisting high school students in Minnesota to explore high-growth, high-demand occupations. The grants will also enable students to gain work experience in their communities. The 17 schools chosen for the grant will divide $1.5 million in funding, to be used for programs running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026.

The grant will also facilitate the development of programs, student and employer recruitment, training provision, student transportation, and payment for industry-related student certifications. The programs will provide work experience in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, healthcare, and information technology.

Perham High School will host a CTE Career Expo on Monday, May 1. Various businesses and colleges will attend the event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Perham High School. The expo aims to share more information on the CTE Career Expo and allow businesses to register and participate.

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