Board approves Perkins CTE grant and internship MOUs as county expands work‑based learning

The Prince Edward County School Board approved the Perkins grant for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and consented to a memorandum of understanding with Southside Virginia Community College to host student internships across multiple district departments.

CTE staff and students presented program highlights to the board, including automotive, agriculture, business, culinary arts, drafting, cybersecurity and health occupations. Teachers and students described recent work‑based learning placements: students who completed externships at local businesses, clinical placements at Farmville Health and Rehab, and competitive events including cybersecurity tournaments. A number of students described hands‑on experiences — from building a PC to clinical work that led students to pursue CNA testing — and one student reported being hired after a work‑based placement.

Assistant principal Ashley Newsome presented the Perkins grant summary and said the division is increasing funds for transportation to support student placements; she requested approval and signatures so the grant could be submitted. The board moved and seconded approval of the Perkins application and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Separately, staff proposed an MOU with Southside Virginia Community College to host interns (including education and non‑education career tracks). Board members asked about supervision and background checks; presenters said interns undergo screening and that internships are for roughly 40 hours of supervised work. The board approved that MOU by voice vote.

Why it matters: Board approval secures Perkins funding that supports CTE staff, student certifications, transportation costs for work‑based learning and equipment. The SVCC internship MOU expands pipeline opportunities for community college students to get classroom and office experience in the district.

Provenance

Topic introduction excerpt: “I am the assistant principal at the CTE Building, and our CTE program is funded by the Perkins grant. ... Upon approval, that grant would need to be signed by miss Carson and by doctor Cox. Okay? So that I can submit it on April 30.” (CTE presentation start; transcript timecode s=3440.03–3507.28).

Topic finish excerpt: “I move the, approve the MOU between Southside, Virginia Community College and Prince Edward County Schools with their internship programs. Second. Okay. All in favor? Yes. Thank you.” (Motion and vote; transcript timecode s=3241.14–3257.71).