JONESBORO, Ark. — Three local schools were awarded the Hytrol Workforce Training Grant. Hytrol works with the Workforce Training Consortium (WTC) to provide funds to area schools for innovative projects in the areas of robotics, microcontrollers, and other STEM-related activities.

This year’s grant total was $9,000. Educators were asked to submit a proposal packet describing the proposed project and budget and how the project will be evaluated.

“The Workforce Training Consortium is very excited to be able to assist with awarding these funds to the three area high schools for their projects. We hope these projects will create an interest in STEM-related fields,” said Jeff Bookout, Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development.

The schools selected by the WTC Board were Jonesboro High School, Nettleton Junior High, and Riverside High School.

Heather Bradway from Nettleton Junior High applied for the grant to teach her students more about computer science and coding.

“These resources will hopefully empower students to believe that a computer science career is not only a possibility but also obtainable for them. In addition, these resources may spark interests in students that they didn’t know they had,” said Bradway.

Molly Goodart, a teacher at Riverside High School, applied to bring 3D printing into the classroom.

“With a 3D printer, we can create activities that take academic concepts from the theoretical to the practical. Hopefully, allowing the students to relate what they are learning in the classroom to the real world while building skills they will be able to carry over to the workforce,” said Goodart.

Stuart Simpson and Don Mullis, both from Jonesboro High, sought the grant to help instruct their students on tape measuring and provide an opportunity for students to attend engineering programs through Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas.

“The students who attend the camps will be exposed to a college environment and get to know college professors and grad students. They also will get to see new innovations in a field that they are interested in. I am excited that now they will get to participate in the field and see how it is done by folks who are making their life’s work engineering or coding,” said Mullis.

These projects will take place during the 2021-2022 school year. Those who are interested in learning more about the WTC should visit their website.

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About Hytrol:

Hytrol designs and manufactures advanced conveyor systems for its customers. For more than 70 years, Hytrol has focused on creating innovative, customized conveyor solutions that help companies achieve their goals.