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PRESS RELEASE

Stockbridge Community Schools Secures $565,206 in State Grants to Expand Tech and Business Pathways

STOCKBRIDGE, MI — Stockbridge Community Schools (SCS) today announced the receipt of two Michigan Department of Education Section 61v CTE Expansion grants totaling $565,206. This funding is part of a statewide $24.2 million investment to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) in rural communities, helping bridge the opportunity gap and provide direct access to high-demand career training.

Dual-Level Investment for 6–12 Student Opportunities

SCS was awarded two distinct grants to create a seamless technical education journey for students:

• High School Excellence: A $319,128 grant will fund the Applied AI & Software Development pathway at the high school level. 
• Junior High Foundation: A $246,078 grant is dedicated to the Digital Technology program at the junior high school. 

These grants enable SCS to offer local computer programming and technology courses that were previously limited by age, seating and transportation constraints at the Wilson Talent Center. Bringing these programs on-site ensures all students can participate during the regular school day.

A Multidisciplinary Expansion 

Over the next two to three years, the funding will transform SCS’s CTE offerings into a multidisciplinary suite. While the core will emphasize Python programming and Artificial Intelligence, the expansion will also introduce other essential business courses. This holistic approach aligns with Michigan’s “Hot 50” job outlook, where software development offers a mean annual wage of $114,890.

Students will progress through a sequenced program that includes:

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering
• AI Foundations with Python
• AI Application Development
• Business and Data Science Foundations

Empowering Educators and Modernizing Facilities 

To ensure the highest quality of instruction, the grant will fund specialized “AI Teacher Bootcamps” and ongoing professional learning for six SCS teachers. The training, provided in partnership with Michigan AI Next, focuses on Python, AI fundamentals, and data-driven systems to prepare staff for an evolving technological landscape.

The district is also prioritizing the learning environment. The budget includes $32,000 to replace an existing computer lab, ensuring students have access to the tools required to engage this curriculum. 

Long-Term Success and Sustainability 

SCS’s goal is to grow the program to 70 students by the 2027–28 school year. While the grant provides startup capital for equipment and initial staffing, Stockbridge Community Schools has committed to a long-term sustainability plan. By the fourth year, the district will transition these programs to local funding, focusing on AI and computer programming.

“We are excited to partner with the Michigan Department of Education to expand on-site tech and business pathways for our students. This investment will open doors to high-demand careers and ensure every Panther has the opportunity to succeed.” — Brian Friddle, Stockbridge Community Schools Superintendent

“Michigan is experiencing remarkable growth in Career and Technical Education, with a 44% increase in state-approved programs over the last decade—strengthening our workforce pipeline and opening new pathways for students to gain in-demand skills,” said Celena Mills, director of the MDE Office of Career and Technical Education. “We are deeply grateful to the legislature for investing in this momentum through Section 61v funding, which is helping expand access to high-quality CTE programs across our state. We look forward to building on this progress and adding even more opportunities for students in the next round.”

Check out the latest edition of the Stockbridge Community Schools' Panther News which is on its way to residents in the district. Access the full newsletter at Panther News - Spring 2026

The Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation (SAEF) invites you to participate in our Online Auction, March 15 - 21, 2026! Each year, this auction raises around $20,000 to fund educational grants, scholarships, and enrichment opportunities for students, staff, and the community.

Every gift, big or small, strengthens educational opportunities in Stockbridge and makes a lasting impact on our students.

Please check the website out and bid on your favorite items. We also invite you to make a financial contribution online to support great learning opportunities.

Join the auction and/or donate today at 2026 Auction!

Due to retirements, two seats on the Board of Education have become available. Individuals interested in serving are invited to submit a letter of interest and a resume to Jessica Lane @ lanej@panthernet.net

The Board of Education will review all applications and appoint new trustees to serve until the next regular election.

The application deadline is Friday December 12, 2025 at 3:00pm. 

If you have any questions about the role of a board member or the appointment process, please contact the district office at 517-851-7188.