Hannaford Career Center Receives $550,000 Congressionally Directed Spending Grant for High-Tech Manufacturing Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIDDLEBURY – Superintendent Nicole MacTavish is pleased to announce that the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center has received a federal grant to support a High-Tech Manufacturing program.

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Career Center $550,000 through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market.

The grant will assist in three areas:

• The Pre-Tech Program for first-year and sophomore students, which focuses on high-level advanced manufacturing concepts, introduces students to the manufacturing labs, and exposes students to engineering and foundational digital concepts.
• The Secondary Technical Program for juniors and seniors, which teaches advanced manufacturing techniques, including robotics and digital technologies, and provides a pathway for students to receive college credits and industry-recognized credentials.
• Adult Career and Technical Education programs that prepare adult learners for advanced, high-wage/high-demand careers in manufacturing. 

The grant award includes $188,000 to purchase state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology to support experiential student learning: CNC Haas Mill, CNC Wood Router, CNC Lathe, CNC Waterjet, and a Laser Cutter.

The Career Center will collaborate with the Addison County Economic Development Corporation to market the expanded program to the business community, leading to student internships and cooperative learning experiences. The Career Center will also collaborate with Community College of Vermont to provide curriculum guidance and to assist with student transitions to CCV.

The Career Center is committed to starting the Adult CTE program at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The Pre-Tech program will start in the 2025-2026 school year and the Secondary Technical program in the following year, subject to program approval by the Vermont Agency of Education.

“Thank you to the Department of Labor and Sen. Patrick Leahy for recognizing Addison County’s potential contribution in Vermont’s high-tech future,” Superintendent MacTavish said. “Manufacturing already plays a significant role in Addison County’s economy, and this funding will assist us with providing our students with the skills they need to be successful in tomorrow’s workforce.”