Bethel, Ohio – On September 20, 2024, U.S. Grant Career Center (GCC) officially broke ground on its long-anticipated facilities expansion. This event marked a critical step in the center’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of its rapidly growing student population and to provide top-tier career and technical education in high-demand fields, such as Allied Health, Advanced Manufacturing, and Metal Fabrication.
The expansion project involved the construction of 15,120 square feet and the renovation of an additional 7,638 square feet. These upgrades are designed to expand both the Allied Health & Nursing program and the Advanced Manufacturing & Metal Fabrication program, ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. With the new space, GCC will be able to accommodate 105 more students, bolstering its capacity to serve the region’s workforce development needs.
Responding to Rapid Growth
Over the past five years, U.S. Grant Career Center experienced significant growth in its student enrollment. In 2017-2018, the school served 314 students, and by the 2023-2024 school year, nearly 500 students were enrolled. The expansion project addressed the urgent need for more space, enabling the center to continue providing high-quality, career-focused education to even more students.
State Funding and Local Collaboration
The expansion was part of Phase I of GCC’s Master Facilities Plan (MFP), a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing the center’s infrastructure. The project was funded through a combination of state and local resources. A total of $9.7 million was allocated to the expansion, with $8.5 million coming from the Ohio state budget, secured through House Bill 33, signed by Governor DeWine. This funding initiative demonstrated the state’s commitment to enhancing career-technical education across Ohio.
In addition to expanding student capacity, the project also included plans for an AWS Testing facility. This new addition promised to provide students with advanced certification opportunities, while also creating a new revenue stream for GCC.
Community Support
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at 8:00 AM on September 20, 2024, brought together local stakeholders, community members, and the media. The event celebrated the collaboration between the school, the state, and the local community in driving this vital project forward.
Looking Toward the Future
With the expanded facilities now underway, U.S. Grant Career Center is well-positioned to continue growing and adapting to the needs of both students and the workforce. The center remains committed to its mission of providing hands-on, career-focused education that prepares students for successful futures in a competitive job market. About U.S. Grant Career Center:
U.S. Grant Career Center JVSD (GCC) is a leader in career and technical education, offering students the opportunity to gain real-world skills and experience in fields such as Allied Health, Advanced Manufacturing, and Metal Fabrication. Through cutting-edge programs and a focus on in-demand careers, GCC equips students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s workforce.