Mountain Heritage High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Construction program has been named one of ten school districts statewide to receive a North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) grant to expand home building and residential construction opportunities for students. The grant, authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly, is designed to support CTE pathways that prepare students for careers in the construction trades. Funds will help schools offset program costs while increasing hands-on learning experiences that directly connect classroom instruction to real-world industry needs.
Mountain Heritage’s CTE Construction program was selected as part of a competitive process that prioritized districts with low-wealth status and higher populations of at-risk students and students with disabilities. Out of 33 applications submitted statewide, only 10 districts were awarded funding. This grant will support students’ work in building tiny houses that support local disaster recovery efforts, blending technical skill development with meaningful community service.
“For Mountain Heritage High School, this funding represents an investment not only in student success, but also in our future workforce and in our community. The Construction program continues to provide students with practical, real-world skills and valuable credentials needed to enter careers in the skilled trades,” said Cynthia Deyton, Career and Technical Education Director for Yancey County Schools.
Students participating in the Mountain Heritage High School CTE Construction Program gain hands-on experience in residential construction while earning industry-recognized credentials, including NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certifications and OSHA safety credentials. These certifications prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce, apprenticeships, or continued education at community colleges and universities.