Midview Local School District Receives Grant to Expand Career Technical Programming
The Midview Local School District was recently awarded grant dollars to help fund the expansion of two career technical education (CTE) offerings at Midview High School. Ridge Tool, a long-time partner of the district, has provided several grants over the years with their most recent contributions geared toward programming and pathway exploration at the middle and high school levels.
A portion of the grant is allotted for the purchase of a flight simulator. Used to augment pilot training, a flight simulator artificially simulates aircraft flight in varying weather conditions and environments. Students can safely practice maneuverability while experiencing affecting factors such as air density, wind shear, turbulence, clouds, and precipitation. Instructors are able to observe student pilots’ reactions to these factors and check their application of flight controls. With the addition of this simulator, students in Midview’s Air Force JROTC program will now be able to accrue flight hours for an unmanned pilot’s license prior to graduating from high school.
“Providing unique educational pathways for students is one of the key components of our strategic plan,” said Superintendent Dr. Bruce Willingham. “Each year, we strive to offer additional courses and pathways as well as expand current programming to provide students with 21st-century skills and knowledge to succeed in college and career. We are fortunate to have supporters like Ridge Tool that share our vision and allow us to make that vision a reality.”
The remainder of Ridge Tool’s grant is designated for the construction of a cleanroom. A cleanroom is a controlled environment where pollutants like dust, airborne microbes, and aerosol particles are controlled under strict specifications in order to provide the cleanest area possible. Cleanrooms are primarily used for the manual production of tiny integrated devices or systems that combine mechanical and electrical components, such as electronics, pharmaceutical products, and medical equipment.
The cleanroom will be utilized by students following the micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) pathway. In partnership with Lorain County Community College, Midview High School will offer this new pathway – a first of its kind in the state of Ohio – to students in the spring of 2023.
“The idea for the MEMS pathway stemmed from Intel’s recent investment in the construction of two new leading-edge chip factories in Ohio,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Frank Major. “As a district, we strive to ensure all students are set up for success when they leave our buildings. It is our responsibility to remain aware of career trends and in-demand positions. We continue to expand course offerings based on evolving workforce specializations and student interest.”
With the addition of the MEMS pathway, Midview students will be able to choose from 11 different CTE programs in 2023.
“It is ingrained in Midview’s financial culture to be responsible stewards of taxpayer money and to keep a balanced budget,” said Superintendent Dr. Bruce Willingham. “Grants allow our district to expand CTE programming at no additional cost to taxpayers, as well as our technology and infrastructure, safety and security initiatives, and professional development. We are grateful for the grants we have received and will continue to apply for opportunities to offset costs that would otherwise be paid for with tax dollars.”