SPRINGFIELD – Two rural South Lane schools have received grants to enhance student studies in Career and Technical Education (CTE) as recipients of the Springfield Chamber Foundation’s 2025 CTE grant.
“CTE is one of the most effective ways we can prepare students for the workforce,” said Paige Walters, Senior Director of Advocacy and Economic Development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “These programs give students hands-on experience, help them explore career pathways, and equip them with the essential skills that make them truly ‘WorkReady’ when they graduate.”
More than $10,000 has been granted to support projects at four high schools in Lane County.
- The largest allocation of $7,000 was awarded to Cottage Grove High School for its Beginning Industrial Automation project. This funding will help establish a new industrial automation course at CGHS, equipping students with skills in PLC troubleshooting, industrial programming, and low-voltage wiring for in-demand careers in automation and engineering. Initially, an estimated 20 students are expected to benefit from this program, with plans to expand to 45-50 students in the future.
- Pleasant Hill High School received $719.95 for the purchase of AED trainers to support AHA/BLS/CPR certification. This funding will provide four new AED training units for CPR/AED certification instruction, benefiting around 400 students. As part of their curriculum, all students at Pleasant Hill High School are required to take a health class, and this training will enhance their education. Additionally, the equipment will be utilized in American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification courses for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
- Thurston High, in partnership with North Eugene High, has been awarded $1,000 for its program “FIRST Age: Uncover the Future with FIRST.” This funding will support participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics program, benefiting approximately 20 students by providing hands-on experience in engineering, programming, teamwork, and event management. Additionally, students will co-host the league tournament with Thurston High School, which will help them build their leadership and collaboration skills.
- Siuslaw High School received $2,000 for its program “Empowering Students through Wood Milling and Entrepreneurial Design,” which will benefit around 100 students who will use a portable chainsaw mill to create items like benches and picnic tables.
This year, the Foundation reviewed eight applications totaling over $57,000 and selected four high school projects to receive a total of $10,719.95, impacting more than 500 students across several industries, including natural resources, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
