Two Putnam Middle Schools Receive Grants To Expand CTE Opportunities

Two Putnam County Middle Schools have received grants to expand CTE and career exploration opportunities.

Interim CTE Supervisor Jackie Vester said Algood Middle School received some $4,500 to expand the STEM program to add an agriculture component. She said Avery Trace Middle School will use the funds to create a computer science program.

“When our students move from middle school to high school we’re putting them in programs of study we’re connecting them with business and industry already and preparing them for that post-secondary piece.”

Vester said Algood Middle’s program used the funds to buy pressure-treated lumber to build a toolshed. She said the scraps of lumber to build birdhouses and signage to point visitors to green spaces at the school.

Vester said Avery Trace’s computer science program will help students better understand and implement hands-on, real-world skills using communication and critical thinking.

“Tennessee continues to provide more pathways to help students transition from middle to high school, and these grants help ensure students have increased access to high-quality work-based learning opportunities, STEM, and career technical education,” Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn said. “We are thrilled that we can make these opportunities happen over the last two years and help students be successful during high school and into their postsecondary and workforce careers.”