Two Northeast Arkansas Schools Receive Hytrol Workforce Training Grant

JONESBORO, Ark. — Two local schools have been awarded the Hytrol Workforce Training Grant. Hytrol and the Workforce Training Consortium (WTC) award funds to area schools for innovative projects in the areas of robotics, microcontrollers, and other STEM-related activities.

The grant winners are selected by the WTC board each year. This year, Jonesboro High School and Valley View High School were awarded funding totaling $7,750.

To be considered for a grant, educators submitted a proposal packet describing the proposed project, as well as budget and evaluation methods. These projects will take place during the 2023-2024 school year.

“This is an investment that will have great returns for these students, their schools, and our communities. The Workforce Training Consortium is proud to team up with Hytrol to provide the Workforce Training Grants,” said Mark Young, President and CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

Caliem Morris, an agriculture teacher at Valley View, plans to use the grant funds to provide students with first-hand experience in the areas of project design, metal fabrication and electro-mechanical maintenance.

Morris said the project will “allow students the opportunity to obtain workforce necessary skills by implementing technology programs, utilizing software and applying those skills in a hands-on environment.”

Dan Mullins, a teacher at Jonesboro High School, will use the grant funds to allow students to attend Engineering Camp at Arkansas State University.

“The hope is that by attending this STEM-oriented camp, students will be inspired to advance into careers in engineering and other STEM-related fields that are in high demand in our area,” said Mullins.

Christy Valentine, Hytrol’s Manager of Academic & Philanthropic Programs said, “Hytrol is proud to sponsor grants like these that inspire students to pursue careers in STEM.”

About Hytrol:

Hytrol Conveyor Company Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of material handling systems for a variety of industries. Since its founding, the company has been dedicated to pushing forward the material handling industry. Hytrol is the largest conveyor manufacturer in the United States. It designs, develops, and delivers the most advanced material handling systems and includes a network of more than 100 independent businesses worldwide. The company also develops software for conveyors and warehouse management. For more information on Hytrol, visit hytrol.com.