Butler County Area Vocation-Technical School received $15,979 in state grant money toward the purchase of new equipment for training students in high-demand occupations.

The grant comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which awarded nearly $1.2 million in competitive grants to 32 career and technical centers and area vocational technical education schools across the state.

“Giving students the opportunity to engage in hands-on training on equipment that is consistent with industry use and standards is paramount in ensuring they are prepared upon graduation with the skills to step into the jobs that are driving the Pennsylvania economy,” said Pedro Rivera, state secretary of education.

The maximum grant allowed was $50,000, and each grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from a local source which could include school funds or contributions from business and industry partners.

The governor’s PAsmart initiative is investing $70 million over two years to expand science and technology education, apprenticeships and industry partnerships, including $10 million for career and technical centers.

For more information, visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.pa.gov.