The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has awarded Kane County School District a $408,464 Catalyst Center Implementation Grant to expand career-focused educational opportunities for students. Kane County is the only rural school district in Utah to receive an implementation grant through this competitive process.
Announced February 6, 2026, the Catalyst Center grants are designed to strengthen career pathways and increase collaboration between K–12 education, postsecondary institutions, and industry partners. According to USBE, 35 applications were submitted requesting more than $200 million in funding, with recipients representing every region of the state. Implementation grants were awarded to a select group of districts, including Kane County School District. I would like to thank the Utah Legislature and Speaker Mike Schultz for making the grant funds available to our students.
Expanding Industry-Recognized Certifications
The $408,464 implementation grant will fund new and expanded programs that enable students in our district to earn industry-recognized certifications while still in high school. The following are business partners who will be working with the Kane County School District to provide additional educational opportunities to our students.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wildland Firefighting
Beginning in Fall 2026, students will be able to enroll in Wildland Firefighting courses. The program will include:
- Fall 2026: Basic Firefighting skills and certifications
- Spring 2027: Pump Operations skills and certifications
- A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on field day experiences
Grant funds will fully cover necessary equipment, while instruction costs will be supported by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). All certifications earned will count as college credit toward a Fire Science degree at Utah Valley University. Students will also receive assistance in applying for employment through USAJobs, creating a direct pathway into federal and state firefighting careers. When student complete the courses, they will have the opportunity to apply for jobs through the BLM. I would like to thank Lisa Church for her assistance with this business partnership.
Best Friends Animal Society- Basic Electrician
Starting in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027, students may participate in a Basic Electrician program focused on:
- Foundational electrical knowledge
- Troubleshooting skills
- National Electrical Code (NEC) wiring for residential and commercial settings
The grant will cover all instructional costs and required equipment, removing financial barriers and allowing students to gain essential skills in a high-demand field. When students complete the course, they will have the opportunity to apply for paid internship programs in the maintenance department at Best Friends Animal Society. A special thanks to Jarad Brinkerhoff for his assistance with the business partnership.
Southwest Technical College-Pharmacy Technician
Launching in Fall 2026, the Pharmacy Technician program will provide students with a 600-hour training experience, including:
- 390 classroom hours
- 210 externship hours
- Flexible scheduling offered in two-hour blocks
Grant funding will cover equipment and lab costs, while classroom instruction will be provided through Southwest Technical College. This partnership gives students hands-on experience and a clear pathway into healthcare careers. When students complete the courses, they will have earned an industry-recognized Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) license.
Strengthening Rural Workforce Pathways
The Catalyst Center initiative is designed to align education with workforce needs across Utah. For Kane County School District, the grant represents a significant investment in rural students and communities. By leveraging partnerships with higher education institutions, industry leaders, and federal agencies, Kane County School District continues its commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in healthcare, construction, electrical trades, and natural resource management. As the only rural district in Utah to receive an implementation grant, Kane County School District is positioned to serve as a model for how rural schools can successfully build innovative, workforce-aligned programs that benefit both students and our community. With these expanded opportunities, Kane County School District students will graduate with more than a high school diploma; they can leave prepared with certifications, college credit, and real-world experience that open doors to immediate employment and long-term career success. I would like to thank the Kane County School Board for their continued support of expanding academic opportunities in industry-recognized, certified licenses. For more information, you can visit with your high school counselor.