Ferguson-Florissant Program Receives Innovation State Grant

Students’ education at North Technical High School just got a bit richer thanks to a state grant announced by Gov. Jay Nixon Thursday.

Ferguson-Florissant School District, in partnership with the Special School District of St. Louis County, will receive a $289,800 grant for North Technical’s Innovation Campus Middle Apprenticeship Program. The grant is a part of $1.3 million in high school grants that will fund “innovation high schools” throughout the St. Louis area.

“My administration has focused on helping prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, as well as giving them the skills businesses need today.” Gov. Nixon said in a press release. “Through dual-credit programs and internships with local businesses, Innovation High Schools will allow eligible high schools students to get on a fast track to earning an affordable degree in a high-demand field. That means they can acquire more skills – and, as a result, have better job prospects – in less time, at a lower cost. Strategic investments like these will help Missourians find jobs today and strengthen our economy in the future – because education is the best economic development tool there is.”

The program will allow students to participate in a registered apprenticeship program and earn national certifications as well as college credit.

Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Art McCoy said that the district began the career paths a couple of years ago to get their students prepared for jobs in the 21st century.

"We are very pleased that our work is being acknowledged with this funding, and we are very excited about the expanded opportunities it provides our students," he said.

According to the release, the grants will help students gain college credit and hands-on experience in fields, such as advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, health sciences, information technology.