This award provided funding to Pungo Christian Academy (PCA) to purchase tools and equipment to support the expansion of its FFA agricultural programs to include welding, carpentry, and auto mechanics. Approximately 65% of PCA students return home to pursue careers in agriculture. High school students would have the opportunity to learn these skill sets that would prepare them for the workforce and lay the groundwork for continued education. PCA collaborated with Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) to offer stackable credentials to students who were able to earn BCCC credit in welding, carpentry, or auto mechanics by the end of their senior year. In addition, students were expected to participate in hands-on learning through internships with local employers. Golden LEAF funds were used for tools and equipment and for a floodgate to protect PCA’s newly erected shop building which housed these new programs.
