The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to the Mid-East Commission, a regional Council of Government, for its RAMP East (Regional Advanced Manufacturing Pipeline) project. RAMP East will assist advanced manufacturing companies located in Beaufort, Bertie, Martin, Hertford, Pitt and Hyde counties to address the critical shortage of available skilled workers. To address the shortage, the Mid-East Commission will develop the Rivers East Academy to immerse local teachers in learning about local careers in advanced manufacturing as a means of creating student interest in these career opportunities and educating the future workforce. Core components include teacher externships, technology training for teachers at community colleges, development of lesson plans that incorporate real-world projects, and county specific marketing of career opportunities and related pathways. Golden LEAF funds will be used for project manager, content experts and student ambassadors, teacher training, educational resources, and marketing.
