Florence High Welding Program receives $20K grant to boost workforce readiness

FLORENCE, Ala. — The Florence High School Welding Program was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from the Alabama Construction Industry Craft Training Board (CICT). FHS Welding Instructor James Overstreet said the grant will better equip his students with the skills and tools needed for entering the workforce.

Several hands took part in acquiring the grant, which included one Florence City Schools Central Office employee learning a new skill of her own. Central Office bookkeeper Sara Ann Robinson said that earlier this year, she was able to take part in a virtual grant-writing training called Grant Writing USA. She said it was a great introduction to grant writing, crediting Curriculum Director Jill Edwards for presenting her with the opportunity. "This was my very first grant application," Robinson said. She added that FCS Career, Technology, and Specialized Education (CTSE) Director Dr. Corey Behel knew about the CICT and connected her with its grant program manager. "They were wonderful to work with and had a very straightforward process," Robinson said. "Dr. Behel, Beth Toner, Lisa Pittman, and James Overstreet were very helpful in gathering the information needed! Never working in grants before, it was so encouraging to receive funding on the first try!"

CICT Board Vice-Chairman Nathan Reed, Robinson, Interim Principal Dr. Chris Westbrook, and other CTSE representatives visited Mr. Overstreet's classroom Tuesday morning to present the grant. Overstreet commented that it is the largest grant he's ever received in his 20 years at Florence High School. "We're going to take this, and we're going to buy personal protective equipment and small power tools and better equip these kids so that they can go out in the workforce and be better prepared to work to serve our communities."

Dr. Westbrook called the grant a tremendous blessing for the students of Florence High School. "The work that Mr. Overstreet does with his welding students is second to none in our area and across the state," he said. "This money will enhance and support his program and help it to grow beyond what it already is."

By Jeremy Jackson