CTE Academy Receives $1 Million Grant
Ag and Culinary Experiences Expanding
(Sioux Falls, SD) - Spring planting season is the perfect time to announce an exciting grant that will bring new equipment and experiences to the Sioux Falls School District CTE Academy. The District is pleased to announce a $1 Million grant award made possible by the 2023 SD Legislature to establish a cutting-edge urban agriculture center as an extension of CTE’s existing programming.
The grant will purchase horticulture equipment like a utility tractor and skid steer for precision agriculture student experiences, along with state-of-the-art commercial kitchen equipment for expanded opportunities for students in the Culinary Arts program.
This equipment is integral to furthering the vision of expanded agricultural opportunities in South Dakota’s largest school district. “Sioux Falls is growing, and we can’t afford to lose our rural roots. Our students need to understand the value of agriculture and the impact it has on the local, regional, national, and international economies,” says Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent.
Additionally, the grant will purchase a calving pen, chute, and other items to be used in both the District’s Large and Small Animal Science courses.
SFSD is also partnering with other supporters to build an urban agriculture center to house large and small animals such as chickens, rabbits, goats, etc. The urban ag center is in the design phase, with the operational timeline yet to be determined.
“These grants are an investment not only in schools, but in the industries that support the South Dakota communities in which these students live,” said Secretary of Education Joe Graves.
CTE programs integrate academic knowledge with technical skills, preparing students for careers through hands-on training and industry-aligned curriculum. By emphasizing real-world applications and essential employability skills, CTE equips students with the tools they need for success in both college and the workforce in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, engineering, and more.