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County awards grant to CARES Learning Partnership for high-school drone program with restorative services
Summary
The board approved an $84,225 grant to CARES Learning Partnership to run a restorative-practices drone-racing and workforce-readiness program for up to 30 Franklin County high-school students across several districts.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a grant agreement with CARES Learning Partnership to implement a high-school drone-racing program that includes restorative-practices instruction and workforce-readiness training.
Andrina Austin, director of economic engagement and community development, said the grant funds a program serving 30 students ages 15–18 through three consecutive three-week sessions, each serving up to 10 students. The program includes hands-on drone instruction and ties those skills to careers in public safety, construction and utilities, and will recruit students from Columbus, Gahanna, Westerville and Worthington school districts as well as charter and faith-based schools. The resolution requests $84,225 to deliver the program.
Commissioner O'Grady and Deputy County Administrator Troy Bivens asked whether justice-involved youth could access pathways to the program; staff said they would explore connections. Commissioners encouraged outreach to local employers (one commissioner suggested connecting students to a locally headquartered drone company). The board adopted Resolution 81 26 approving the grant agreement.
What it means: County officials described the program as workforce development and restorative practice combined, intended to give participants technical STEM exposure and employment pathways. The grant amount and student caps were specified in the presentation.
Next steps: County staff will begin recruitment across the named districts and coordinate partner outreach.
