Smithfield wins $513,690 to expand high-school health-care career programs

What happened

Smithfield Public Schools was awarded $513,689.77 in first-year funding to expand health-care career education, building on the high school's Biomedical Sciences pathway and developing Behavioral Health and other health-care opportunities. The grant will support instructional materials and equipment, training and certifications, work-based learning, and minor renovations for these programs.

Why it matters to families

The funding is intended to give students more exposure and preparation for in-demand health professions, including behavioral health, nursing and emergency medical services, and to support practical learning experiences.

The evidence

The superintendent's report in the approved Oct. 1 minutes states that the district received $513,689.77 in Year 1 funding through the Rhode Island Rural Health Transformation Program. It says the project will build on the existing Biomedical Sciences CTE pathway and develop opportunities in Behavioral Health and other health-care fields, with funding for specialized materials and equipment, professional learning and certifications, work-based learning supports, and minor renovations.

The source