Around a dozen individuals in Farmer City met this week to come up with ideas to support students in Blue Ridge schools in a trades program.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Dr. Hilary Stanifer told Regional Radio the group is hoping to support students in the buildings trade class as costs for the program continue to rise.

Dr. Stanifer explains part of the reason they want to partner with local businesses to provide support for those programs is they do not want students missing the opportunity because they can't afford it.

Dr. Stanifer says the partnership with local business people is about the opportunity and helping students realize their gifts and potential. It is her hope young people with talent will be able to take the skills they learn into the workforce.