Two KCTC Programs Receive Grants

Thanks to more than $110,000 in grants, software and training, two Kent Career Tech Center (KCTC) programs are upgrading to meet the most recent industry standards. These upgrades ensure students have the latest skills to be successful in the workplace.

KCTC's Wood Products Manufacturing program has entered a five year training agreement with Stiles Machinery through the company’s Furniture grant worth more than $100,000. The grant provides for training, licenses and updates for Weeke WoodWOP, the manufacturing software used by Stiles employees in their daily work. Previously, only two or three students were able to learn the software each year. Now, 20 students will train on the software for each of the next five years receiving the same level of training wood manufacturing employers seek.

The Auto Body Repair program was awarded a $10,425 grant from State Farm Insurance, the largest amount the company has issued to a single recipient. Advisory Committee Chairperson, Diane Rodenhouse discovered the grant opportunity whose funds will be used to purchase new textbooks for the fall of 2009. The textbooks currently used in the program are more than 10 years old and lack training on the latest technology. The purchase of the new books will maintain the program’s national certification for teaching industry-recognized standards of excellence, and allow students to work on the latest model vehicles.