Andrew Bias, a manufacturing teacher at Folsom High School, found himself the recipient of a substantial sum this past Tuesday. He has been honored as one of 25 winners across the nation with the Harbor Freight Tools for School Prize for Teaching Excellence, taking home $50,000 for his school's skilled trade program, KCRA reported.
Since the 2018 academic year, having started with just two, Bias' program has witnessed significant growth under his stewardship, now flaunting seven sections, including an Honors Manufacturing class. According to a statement obtained by FOX40, this expansion corresponds with a 20% surge in enrollment since the previous school year, with females comprising a noteworthy 30% of the program's participants.
The prize, awarded annually by Harbor Freight to outstanding educators in skilled trades instruction, recognizes the impact teachers like Bias have on empowering students with practical skills. Under Bias's guidance, students learn carpentry, sheet metal work, welding, and machining while also developing a strong work ethic and professional skills.
Bias's students have secured jobs across various trades due to their training, and three students even won gold in CNC categories at the SkillsUSA California state conference.
