The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to Onslow County Schools to assist in building a $7,309,769.60 regional skills center that will serve Onslow, Jones, and Duplin counties. The balance of funds, $5 million, has been appropriated by the State. In addition, Onslow County has donated land valued at approximately $575,000, industry donations are estimated at $279,000, and the district will commit funds to operate the Skills Center. The Regional Skills Center will provide high quality, advanced training for students from ten area high schools. Training programs will be offered in four core business sectors that mirror employment needs of this region: (1) Automotive Mechanics and Collision & Repair; (2) Construction Trades: HVAC, Plumbing, & Welding; (3) Information Technology: Networking, Cyber Security, and Programming & Coding; and, (4) Culinary and Hospitality. These programs were identified through a comprehensive vetting process that included student surveys, meetings with workforce and economic development agencies in all three counties, and focus group meetings with business and industry partners. Golden LEAF funding will be used to construct and up-fit space for each of the four program areas, purchase classroom furniture and technology, and install the technology infrastructure and hardware for the facility. The impact of the project will be measured by program enrollment, the number of students earning industry recognized certifications, and the matriculation of students who complete a four-course sequence then enter a post-secondary institution in a related field.
