Forsyth schools secure nearly $1.2 million to boost career pathways

Forsyth County Schools announced on January 13 that it will receive nearly $1.2 million in grant funding to support career-preparation and related initiatives across the district in 2026. District leaders say the infusion will be distributed to career and technical education (CTE), workforce-preparation programs, professional development for teachers, and classroom resources intended to expand hands-on learning and clear student pathways to jobs or postsecondary study.

The funding is intended to supplement existing district budgets rather than replace them, allowing school leaders to accelerate investments in equipment, curriculum alignment and partnerships with local industry and colleges. Officials outlined plans to use the grants to broaden work-based learning opportunities, strengthen dual-enrollment and credentialing options, and provide targeted professional development so educators can better link classroom skills to employer needs.

At the school level, administrators expect the money to support a mix of classroom resources and programmatic expansion. Proposed uses include expanding CTE course capacity, funding industry-recognized certifications, creating more internship and apprenticeship placements with Forsyth employers, and purchasing materials that enable project-based, hands-on instruction. District leaders indicated a priority on aligning programs with the skills local businesses say they need, helping students move into higher-wage jobs or continue to college with better preparation.

From a market perspective, the grants aim to reduce the skills gap between employer demand and the local labor pool. By investing in workforce-preparation and credentialing, the district positions students to enter occupations where employers increasingly require technical competencies and certified training. For the county, that could translate into a larger pipeline of qualified entry-level workers for local industries and potentially stronger recruitment leverage for employers seeking skilled hires.

Policy implications are practical: targeted grant funding like this can be an efficient use of public dollars when paired with employer partnerships and district strategic planning. The funds are time-bound and program-specific, so the speed and effectiveness of implementation will determine whether the investment yields measurable gains in credential attainment, job placements, and postsecondary enrollment.

For families and local businesses, the immediate impact will be expanded options for students to gain real-world experience and industry-recognized credentials before graduating. Watch for district announcements about new CTE seats, internship pipelines, and upcoming enrollment or information sessions at individual schools.

The takeaway? This funding is a chance for Forsyth students to gain more direct routes into work and further education; keep in touch with your school counselors and local principals to learn how these opportunities could benefit your student or business partner. Our two cents? If you run a business in Forsyth, now is a good time to reach out and see how your company can plug into these growing pathways.