CANFIELD — The Valley STEM + ME2 Academy has been awarded nearly $650,000 in grant funding through the Ohio Department of Education’s Career Technical Education Equipment Program.

Valley STEM is one of 34 schools across Ohio to receive this critical funding, which aims to support the development of a skilled workforce by upgrading schools’ equipment to meet the demands of Ohio businesses. These funds will be used to enhance the academy’s manufacturing and engineering labs, providing students with hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment. The improvements will empower students to develop the skills needed by Ohio’s growing industries, preparing them for high-demand careers in fields such as advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology, according to a news release from the academy.

“It is clear that Lt. Governor Jon Husted and the Office of Workforce Transformation have made the commitment to developing a robust workforce for the future of Ohio,” said Valley STEM Principal Andrew Hampton. “The students at the Valley STEM + ME2 Academy will have the opportunity to engage in manufacturing and engineering activities that will put them on a trajectory for a career pathway, workforce contribution, and their version of the American Dream within the Mahoning Valley and great state of Ohio because of this commitment.”

The grant application process was a team effort, with two Valley STEM instructors, Todd Van Orman and Mike Lopuchovsky, playing a key role in the development and submission of the grant proposal. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in securing the funds that will directly benefit the students and the local economy. Industry partnerships played a crucial role as well. Partnerships including Humtown, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturing Coalition, Altronic, GreenBoardIT, the Mahoning County Sheriff, KTSDI, JuggerBot3D, and Sapientia Ventures, all made this possible.

The Career Technical Education Equipment Program, overseen by the Ohio Department of Education, provides schools across the state with the resources to equip students with the skills necessary for employment in critical fields. This program is part of Ohio’s broader effort to address workforce shortages and prepare students to meet the needs of local businesses.