This award provides funding to Graham County Schools to upgrade and repurpose a vacant building on Main Street in Robbinsville in conjunction with the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT) to house a workforce development training program for Robbinsville High School students. Robbinsville High School currently operates two school-based businesses: a sublimation (imprinting) shop and a specialty coffee shop. Bringing these established work experiences to Main Street will assist with economic development in this Tier I county. Under the supervision of a job coach, high school students will have job assignments in the businesses to assist them in completing Career and Technical Education certifications and gain work experience to match local industry demands. Project outcomes to be tracked include the number of certifications, licenses or non-academic credentials attained by the students and work-based learning opportunities for them. Golden LEAF funds will be used for renovation and upfit, utilities, salaries and benefits for the job coach and project director, student stipends, and advertising.
