Solvay Receives Grant for Skills Trades Education

Thanks to a generous donation from Judith LaManna Rivette (Class of 1966), skills trades education will continue to be on the rise at the Solvay Union Free School District. Judith has awarded the district a $10,000 grant for skills trades education. The grant is designated to promote skills trades education within the district and further advertise the option of a career in skills trades. At the December 2018 Board of Education meeting, the Solvay BOE accepted the donation, thanking Judith LaManna Rivette for her support. Judith has expressed a hope that others will become interested in supporting this effort further.

Since accepting the donation, Solvay High School has been actively working with the Manufacturers Association of Central New York to promote skills trades throughout the district. The grant was intended to provide support for field trips, tools and equipment needed to enhance the education experience, and interview and other soft skills training. In working with MACNY, SHS has begun to lay the foundation for the implementation of the grant, including:

• Developing a skilled Advisory Group
• Developing a skilled trades expo, a "hands-on" event
• Delivering Civil Service preparation programs for trades
• Conducting tours of facilities employing skilled trades
• Developing a Speaker Series, also known as "Career Chats," on skilled trades

The Solvay UFSD and SHS look forward to utilizing this grant and extend many thanks to Judith LaManna Rivette for her love of the Solvay Schools, as shown by this generous award.