Southridge HS Receives Prestigious Education Readiness Grant

A world of opportunities awaits Southridge High School students, as the school has been awarded a Perkins Education Readiness Grant of $115,000. A statewide initiative by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education is providing the funds to “enhance Dual Credit programs in advanced manufacturing and industrial technology.” Three core Dual Credit courses at Southridge will benefit from the grant, including Key Principles of Advanced Manufacturing, Technology in Advanced Manufacturing, and Industrial Electrical 1. 

Students will be able to use real-world training tools with “state-of-the-art equipment that mirrors today’s high-tech workplace environments. The new tools will be housed in the school’s CRAFTED by OFS Space, a collaborative hub for career and technical education, and will be accessible across multiple departments.” 

The competition was fierce for funds this year, with a record number of applications received. In total, eleven Career and Technical Education (CTE) districts or high schools were awarded with Education Readiness Grants. This totaled $1.1 million in overall funding, with $685,000 for advanced manufacturing and $415,000 for digital technology. “The program aims to increase student access to high-demand career fields, strengthen school-industry partnerships, and provide work-based learning experiences that align with classroom instruction.” 

In its letter of congratulations to the school corporation, the Commission said, “It speaks volumes about the quality and depth of your proposal that stood out in such a competitive field.” According to the district’s press release, grant funds will be directed toward several industry-grade training systems from AMATROL, including: 
 Skill Boss Smart Factory – Simulates a real-world manufacturing environment 
 AC/DC Electrical Learning Systems – Provides foundational electrical training 
 Electric Relay Control Learning Systems – Prepares students for automation careers 
 Portable AC/DC Electrical Learning Systems – Enables flexible, on-the-go training  Basic Fluid Power Learning System – Teaches hydraulics and pneumatics 
 Mechanical Drives 1 Learning System – Covers mechanical power transmission 
 Mechanical Systems 1 Learning System – Explores machine construction and maintenance  

Beyond physical equipment purchases, high-end computers that support software-based learning will be funded, which allows for digital simulations, CAD, and design programs. Equipment is slated for delivery later this summer. 4T Academy Instructor Adam Knies commented, “This is the kind of learning that sticks… When students physically engage with equipment—connect the wires, turn the wrenches, run the programs—they gain confidence and competence. They’re not just preparing for tests; they’re preparing for careers.” 

Funding provided by Education Readiness Grants is aimed at helping Indiana secondary schools to lead in advanced manufacturing, by combining classroom education and hands-on experience with industry needs. By doing so, students should graduate with skills that will prepare them to be successful in the job market. Sam Collins, Manufacturing/CRAFTED by OFS Instructor, explains, “This isn’t just about passing a class—it’s about opening career doors. If a student can leave high school with both college credit and hands-on experience, that’s powerful.” 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.witzamfm.com/news 

 - Drew Hasselbring