Western Reserve Local Schools in Huron County is proud to announce it has been awarded the Ohio Career-Technical Education (CTE) Equipment Grant, receiving $543,580 in funding over the 2024-2027 period. The grant, awarded by the Ohio Department of Education, is designed to help schools modernize equipment and improve access to hands-on career-technical training. This grant will support enhancing career-technical programs at high and middle school levels.
A key initiative supported by this funding is the launch of a new integrated Software Development and Internship Pathway at Western Reserve High School. This four-course pathway will provide students with the depth of knowledge, industry-recognized credentials, and authentic workforce experience, including internships, to prepare them for software development positions across Ohio.
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, software development is one of the fastest-growing fields in the state, with an estimated statewide growth rate of 15% and over 5,200 projected yearly job openings.
In the Northeast Ohio region, where Western Reserve is located, the demand for software developers is projected to grow by 18.8% by 2030.
In addition to the high school pathway, Western Reserve Middle School will offer a Software Development/Coding feeder pathway for 7th and 8th graders, designed to increase engagement and interest in software development at younger grade levels.
“We believe implementing this program is crucial to expanding access to future jobs for our students,” said Will Snyder, Superintendent of Western Reserve Local Schools. “By modernizing our equipment and launching new pathways, we’re ensuring that our students are prepared for high-wage, high-demand careers, especially in the booming field of software development.”
The grant will also enhance existing CTE programs in agriculture, engineering, and biomedical sciences, aligning with Western Reserve’s vision
of inspiring Hometown Pride, Instilling Excellence, and Unlocking Pathways to Success.