The Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas awarded $40 million to expand workforce education programs throughout the state, with several Southwest Florida school districts benefiting from the funds.

Glades County, a small rural district, received the second largest amount in the area.

Alice Beth Barfield, superintendent of Glades County School District, expressed excitement about the district's progress.

"It is amazing to be able to watch the transformation that Glades County School District has undergone in the past several years," said Barfield.

The district achieved an A-grade rating for the first time since 2011, and now they have been awarded a grant for workforce education programs.

Tera Ming, director of grants and special programs, shared her surprise upon learning about how much Glades County was awarded.

"The directors of CTE programs from other districts were reaching out to me and congratulating me before I actually saw it myself," said Ming. "And I was like, 'Wait, what are you talking about?' And they're like, 'Check your email.' And I'm like, 'Oh my gosh.'"

The grant, totaling more than $1.2 million, will support programs in nursing assistant, Agri-Technology, business management, ecommerce, and marketing.

"Those students are going to get hands-on experiences," said Ming. "And there's such a difference between hearing something and doing something when you are doing it, and hands-on learning, it makes all the difference. It sticks."

The funding aims to provide students with opportunities for college, jobs, and equal opportunities as other students across Florida.

Barfield shared her ongoing disbelief about the achievement.

"My text messages keep going off from people all around the state," she said. "And I'm almost afraid I'm going to get one from the Department of Education that says, Oh, it was a mistake," said Barfield.

She emphasized the importance of challenging stereotypes about small rural districts.

"I think a lot of times people, they look down on small rural districts," Barfield said. "And it doesn't have to be that way. You know, time and time again, we're proving ourselves."

Other districts in the region also received funds. Hendry County, Charlotte County, and Lee County School Districts were awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars each.

The School District of Lee County expressed their enthusiasm in a statement, saying:

"We are excited to receive state support to expand our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and look forward to learning which academies will be funded through the CAP Grant. Expanding technical education opportunities remains one of our top priorities, and this grant strengthens our commitment to equipping students with the skills local businesses need so they can pursue successful careers after graduation."