Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp recently proposed ~$3.1 million in funding to improve and expand four career and technical education (CTE) programming sites across the county.

CTE programs are educational pathways that prepare students with hands-on knowledge before entering career fields — from health sciences, business, and STEM to law, agriculture, and the arts. The proposed investments would affect six schools and 20 pathways if implemented. Here is where the money could go:

Harrison Bay Future Ready Center | $1.5 million
Funding will create four new classrooms (allowing enrollment to double from 250 to 500 students over the next 3-5 years) and install an elevator for accessibility. Equipment will also be upgraded for advanced manufacturing + architecture and construction pathways to prepare students for the workforce and tools they will encounter.

Note: This center serves students from Central, East Hamilton, and Ooltewah High Schools.

The Howard School offers technology-based academics. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

The Howard School | $1 million
The money is slated to install a state-of-the-art ventilation system for the welding classrooms to improve the overall health and safety measures for students and teachers + expand the capacity of students who can participate in the program.

East Ridge High School | $500,000
There are plans for updating to industry-standard construction and automotive equipment to make sure students have the proper hands-on training they need in all CTE pathways when they join the workforce.

Hixson High School | $250,000
Introducing Hamilton County Schools' (HCS) first-ever “pipeline partnership" — the money gives students in CTE programs the opportunity to work with Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service in hands-on training and earn a job with the agency post-graduation.

“The county’s commitment to ensure Southeast Tennessee is future workforce-ready complements the HCS just cause of seeing all students thrive and experience a future without limits,” said Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson.

The Hamilton County Commission will vote on the proposed funding on Wednesday, April 17.