A $96,906 grant announced by Gov. Kay Ivey will expand the opportunities for Blount County students seeking to pursue careers in the health-care industry.
The Appalachian Regional Commission grant will enable the Blount County Education Foundation to add health sciences as a curriculum choice at the Blount County Career and Technical Center.
“This educational program provides a chance for students to enter the health-care field where they will have an opportunity to make a good living for themselves and improve the lives of so many people,” Ivey said. “With the help of this ADECA funding, Blount County students will have an added opportunity to explore this career field with high potential.”
Training in health sciences can translate into careers as health aides, physical therapists, athletic trainers and more.
ARC funds will be used to supply instructors and purchase equipment and medical supplies for the program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“As a former teacher, Gov. Ivey understands how important it is to prepare students for the future and to move Alabama forward,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Through the partnership with Gov. Ivey, ADECA, ARC and the Blount County Education Foundation, this program has the potential to make a difference in the lives of so many students.”
Thirty-seven counties in Alabama are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds which could be eliminated under current federal budget proposals.
ADECA also manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
Ivey notified Mitchie Neel, executive director of the Blount County Education Foundation, that the grant had been approved.
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