This award provides funding to Davidson County Schools (DCS) to expand the welding program at South Davidson High School in response to needs expressed by the local industry. DCS currently offers an introductory course related to safety, welding symbols, and cutting. In partnership with Davidson-Davie Community College, DCS has established a comprehensive welding fabrication pathway through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program. This initiative enables high school students to earn a college-level welding certificate, positioning them to pursue careers in welding and fabrication. The project will adopt a hybrid approach, combining the CCP pathway with a high school welding course of study. By offering both programs, DCS aims to increase enrollment in welding courses and provide students the opportunity to attain welding certification by the conclusion of their high school education. DCS will build a welding shop that will increase the annual capacity from 16-20 students in its introductory course to up to 120 enrolled students in the welding fabrication pathway by spring 2025. Forty students are expected to graduate with a welding certificate each year. Golden LEAF funds will be used for construction and related costs.
