In a significant stride towards enhancing educational opportunities, the Fay Rural Community Foundation, supported by dedicated donors, recently made an impactful contribution to Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Montana. This contribution facilitated the acquisition of new equipment for their recently completed 40×60 shop expansion, signaling a renewed phase in student learning and skill advancement.
Sheridan, Montana, is located in the heart of Ruby Valley. Seven mountain ranges surround the town of approximately 800 residents, and the Ruby River winds through the valley just west of the town. Sheridan High School has an enrollment of almost 70 students and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.
The primary focus of this project was to provide Sheridan High School with up-to-date tools and equipment that prioritize student safety and proficiency.
Beyond merely upgrading equipment, the expansion of the shop space represents a profound shift in how students engage with their education. No longer confined to theoretical exercises, students now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on, real-world projects. This experiential learning approach enhances their technical skills and cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for success in today’s workforce.
“As the Ag teacher and FFA Advisor at Sheridan High School, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of the Fay Rural Community Foundation’s contribution. With their support and generous donors, our students now have access to state-of-the-art equipment and proactive learning experiences that prepare them for success in agricultural mechanics and beyond.” – Rodney Braaten, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor, Sheridan High School.
Central to the success of this program is the establishment of a pathway in Ag Mechanics, providing students with a structured curriculum that extends from high school to Dual Credit Welding programs. This pathway, culminating in four credits in Welding 110 & 111 through Gallatin College, offers students a clear trajectory toward career readiness in fields such as welding.
“Through our collaboration with driven donors, the Fay Rural Community Foundation is proud to have facilitated a significant stride in enhancing educational opportunities at Sheridan High School. Our commitment is to provide up-to-date tools and equipment that center efforts on safeguarding students, enhancing their proficiency, and ushering them into a new learning and skill development era. This partnership exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven initiatives in education, empowering students to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities.” – Susan Ferrin, Executive Director, Fay Rural Community Foundation.
The Fay Rural Community Foundation was founded with a distinct purpose: to address the resource and opportunity deficits commonly witnessed in small rural communities nationwide. Our commitment remains unwavering as we aim to improve rural America’s healthcare, education, and youth resources. By directing our endeavors towards these pivotal areas, we strive to make a profound difference in these communities’ overall welfare, quality of life, and economic vibrancy. Our passion and mission are centered on providing resources and opportunities that elevate the prospects and spirit of rural America.