COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus City Council approved $750,000 in Tax Increment Financing money for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation to enhance workforce development programs.
Superintendent Jim Roberts says the money will be used to support I-Grad, STEM and Transitional Planning.
The I-Grad program helps keep at-risk students on track to earn a high school diploma. About 530 students are currently involved in the program.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STEM curriculum prepares participants for career opportunities, and the majority of BCSC students are enrolled in STEM related classes.
Transitional Planning targets students with special needs. The program provides classes on how to make good life choices with the goal of achieving independence. The students are encouraged to develop attributes like work ethic, social skills, and the foundation to lead productive adult lives.
The funding needed city council approval, as the redevelopment commission can only approve expenditures up to $500,000.