Senator Ingwersen attends ribbon cutting of expansion of Biddeford Regional Center of Technology
AUGUSTA— On Tuesday, October 29, Senator Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, joined state and local officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the expanded Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. Sen. Ingwersen was joined by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, former Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman, MDOE Commissioner Pender Makin, and Superintendent of Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton Schools Jeremy Ray amongst others. Sen. Ingwersen enjoyed a meal prepared by the culinary students as well as a tour of the expanded BRCOT campus. The project was funded with a $7 million grant from the Maine Department of Education.
“The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology expansion gives our students the skills they need for the good-paying jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Sen. Henry Ingwersen. “New and expanded career programing, like EMT and hospitality, travel, and tourism training will help our students settle down in Maine communities.
“This expansion will transform the Center of Technology into a thriving hub for learning and opportunity,” said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “It is not only about brick and mortar. It is about creating new pathways to success for students and equipping them with the skills they’ll need to thrive in the 21st century economy. ”
“This new wing represents a bold step forward,” said BRCOT Director Paulette Bonneau. “It symbolizes our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and practical skills and in fulfilling our responsibility to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world. The impact of this endeavor will shape the lives of generations to come and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community”.
The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology is located on the Biddeford High School campus and provides over 20 vocational and career training programs to around 400 students from Biddeford High School, Thornton Academy, Old Orchard Beach High School, Kennebunk High School and Massabesic High School. The expanded campus will allow for new programs including culinary arts, hospitality, travel and tourism, an expansion of its current EMT and plumbing and heating programs and allow room for middle school programming and Biddeford Adult Education courses. BRCOT will now offer Maine’s first athletic training and sports medicine program.
From left: Sen. Ingwersen and BRCOT Director Paulette Bonneau
From left: BRCOT Assistant Director Kimberlee Bennett, BRCOT Director Paulette Bonneau, Commissioner Pender Makin, Superintendent Jeremy Ray, Rep. Marc Malon, Honorable Ryan Fecteau and Sen. Henry Ingwersen
Photo Caption: State and City officials at the ribbon cutting of the expanded Biddeford Regional Center of Technology
