Contributed NEW EQUIPMENT — Utica Shale Academy welding instructor Matt Gates and Southern Local High School sophomore Colton Spahlinger show off some of the gear that was purchased with money from a $14,575 grant.

SALINEVILLE — The PNC Charitable Trust has awarded the Utica Shale Academy $14,575 to purchase safety equipment for the facility.

The grant award is from the Robert H. Reakirt Foundation, which is a trust administered by PNC’s Charitable Trusts Grant Review Committee. PNC’s charitable trusts support communities through grants to worthy nonprofit organizations who align with donors’ charitable intents and geographic focuses. Utica Shale Academy applied for the competitive grant and funds were used to purchase steel-toed boots, welding gloves, flame-retardant jackets and welding boots.

The Utica Shale Academy is located in Salineville and offers certifications in welding, industrial maintenance, heavy equipment operation/maintenance as well as courses in Youngstown State University, 3-D printing, YSU 5G and diesel mechanics. It is open to students in Columbiana, Carroll, Jefferson and Mahoning counties.

It is currently in its eighth year and serves 110 students in grades 9-12 through blended learning and hands-on education to prepare them for the workforce.

For information, contact Superintendent Bill Watson at (330) 843-5278 or at bill.watson@uticashaleschool.com.