PENDER COUNTY, N.C. — Pender High School has secured a significant boost for its agricultural education program, as it was recently awarded a $100,000 grant. The grant, part of the 2023-2024 Career Technical Education (CTE) Grants for Agriculture, aims to elevate agricultural studies within the school.
The grant application was a collaborative effort led by Career Technical Education (CTE) Director Dominique Bates, CTE Teacher Thomas Herren, and Chief Financial Officer Lisa Nowlin. Their combined efforts secured this substantial funding to enrich the educational experience of students interested in agricultural studies at Pender High School.
The selection process for the grant was highly competitive, with 88 applications received for the CTE Grants for Agriculture. Totaling $5,868,093.31 in requested funds, the applications underwent rigorous external review and validation of eligibility. Only 35 grant recipients were chosen, with Pender High School being among the fortunate few.
This grant aligns with broader efforts by the North Carolina General Assembly to support agricultural education across the state. House Bill 259, Section 8.9, allocated $2,000,000 for agricultural education programs in Career and Technical Education middle and high school public school units. The grant awarded to Pender High School underscores the institution's commitment to delivering quality education in agricultural studies.
Principal Nick Paquette expressed gratitude and enthusiasm in response to the grant, stating, "This grant signifies an incredible opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in hands-on learning and further explore their passion for agriculture. We are grateful for this support, which will undoubtedly enhance our agricultural program and benefit our students."
This grant serves as a reminder of the pivotal role agricultural education plays in equipping students for success in an ever-evolving industry. With this substantial investment, Pender High School is primed to elevate its agricultural program and offer students invaluable opportunities for learning and personal development.