This award provided funding to Uwharrie Charter Academy (UCA) to provide training equipment for its newly constructed Career Academy that opened in August 2023. The Career Academy is preparing high school graduates with the training needed to close the skills gaps for jobs in Randolph County and the region at companies such as Toyota, Eastern Steel Works, the Asheboro Zoo, and others. UCA is offering career pathways in construction trades, advanced manufacturing, health sciences, automotive technologies, and other high demand occupations. UCA is also developing partnerships to provide training through internships and job shadowing and is collaborating with Randolph Community College to provide program pathways in areas where certification is required. UCA expects that over 200 students will complete the higher-level course in their respective pathway annually. Golden LEAF funds were used for training equipment for the Career Academy.
