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Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced Friday, April 24, $600,000 in competitive grants awarded to 16 high schools and technical centers across the commonwealth, including Cumberland High School (CHS).

Each school and technical center on the list is set to receive $37,500 to purchase new equipment and make other necessary improvements to career and technical education programs.

Cumberland County Public Schools (CuCPS) Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Dr. Chip Jones said the money will be used for the school’s agriculture programs.

“We will use the funds to purchase equipment for the agriculture program that will strengthen the learning opportunities and skills set for our students. We plan to purchase additional equipment for our hydroponics system, portable ultrasound machine and a virtual welder.”

Jones is set to take over the position of CuCPS superintendent July 1 of this year.

“Technology is ever-changing, and our career and technical education programs must have up-to-date equipment to prepare Virginia students for the jobs of tomorrow, which include opportunities in high-tech manufacturing, bioengineering, health care and skilled trades,” Lane said. “With this funding, we are making critical investments in our young people and giving them the tools and training they need to be competitive in our 21st-century economy.”