OCT. 1, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
[email protected]
SOUTH MARION HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES
GRANT FUNDING BEFORE IT EVEN OPENS
Artificial Intelligence Program Garners $260K Grant
MARION COUNTY – South Marion High School (SMHS), the newest public high school in Marion County, will offer an Artificial Intelligence program to students when it opens in August.
Already, before students even set foot on campus, SMHS is capturing funds for its academic programs, including one from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) worth nearly $260,000.
FDOE officials announced Tuesday SMHS is among 49 projects statewide receiving $40 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. These dollars expand workforce education programs focusing on in-demand industries.
The grant for $259,635 helps build a highly-skilled workforce by equipping students with skills needed to excel in Florida’s priority industries including hands-on training in high-demand industries, according to a FDOE media release.
SMHS is under construction near Marion Oaks in Southwest Marion County. When it opens in August, the school will offer specialized programs to students including Artificial Intelligence, avionics, digital cinema productions, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and others.
The campus will feature three-story construction in its main building and two classroom wings flanking the main building. The school is built with dollars borrowed by the Marion County School Board and secured through Certificates of Participation. Local millage proceeds will also pay some of the construction costs.
For more information on state-level grant funding, visit the CAP Grant page of the FDOE website.
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