Campbell County Schools has been awarded a Kentucky Career and Technical Education Innovation and Support Grant to expand and modernize its Automation Engineering Pathway.
The district said this reinforces its commitment to preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers in advanced manufacturing. They said this reflects a continued response to regional workforce needs and builds on the district’s developed career pathways from preschool through grade 12.
Advanced manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Northern Kentucky, with employers seeking workers skilled in automation, robotics and mechatronics. These careers span from technicians and operators to engineers and systems designers, and require intentional preparation beginning early in a student’s academic journey.
“Campbell County Schools recognized this growing need and pursued the grant to create a one-of-a-kind program that provides students with access to rigorous training, industry-grade technology, and real-world learning experiences that directly connect to lucrative career opportunities,” The district said in a news release.
The grant will support the expansion of the Automation Engineering Pathway, including the creation of a state-of-the-art robotics and mechatronics lab. Students will advance from foundational engineering coursework, including an Automation and Robotics course at the middle school, into experiences with integrated automation systems and smart manufacturing technologies used in modern production environments.
The program also emphasizes industry-recognized certifications and postsecondary alignment to ensure students are prepared for employment, apprenticeships or continued education.
“This grant validates the intentional work underway in Campbell County to design a truly connected preschool through high school system of learning,” said Director of Curriculum and School Improvement Connie Pohlgeers in a press release. “Students are not just learning about careers in advanced manufacturing; they are building the skills, problem-solving capacity, and confidence needed to succeed in them. By aligning curriculum, industry-grade equipment, and practitioner partnerships, we are opening doors to high-skill, high-wage opportunities and ensuring students graduate ready for what comes next.”
A component of the initiative is its partnership with industry leaders. Throughout the planning process, Campbell County Schools worked closely with regional manufacturers to ensure the program reflects current workforce demands. Through this partnership, KraussMaffei engineers will co-teach instructional modules, help design authentic project-based learning experiences, and provide students with exposure to real production environments and expectations. Students will also have opportunities to earn industry certifications through platforms such as FANUC, further strengthening their readiness for advanced manufacturing careers and postsecondary pathways in mechatronics, automation and engineering.
“Advanced manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing and most critical workforce needs in our region, and we saw an opportunity to act and provide students with access to learning experiences that are rarely available at the high school level,” said Superintendent of Campbell County Schools Shelli Wilson in the release. “This grant allows us to create a one-of-a-kind program that readies students for a wide spectrum of careers and supports local employers with a pipeline of skilled, industry-ready graduates. When schools, industry, and community partners come together with a shared purpose, the result is opportunity for our students and for the future of our region.”