Folsom High School manufacturing teacher wins $50,000 prize

(FOX40.COM) — A Folsom High School teacher was given a tremendous surprise when he were awarded a $50,000 prize from Harbor Freight on Tuesday morning.

Andrew Bias was one of 25 recipients of the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for School Prize for Teaching Excellence.

Bias has been teaching CTE manufacturing at Folsom High School since 2018, where his program started with two sections and has now grown to seven sections, including Honors Manufacturing.

Students learn the fundamentals of carpentry, sheet metal, welding, and machining, and also the importance of having a strong work ethic and professional skills.

Since the 2023 school year, Bias has seen a 20% increase in student enrollments. in which females make up 30% of the overall students involved in the program.

Bias’ students have moved onto a broad range of trade jobs and three of his students won gold at the SkillsUSA California state conference in CNC categories.

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