Rep. Kiggans Presents $1,000,000 Check for Community Project Funding for Chesapeake Career Technical Education Center

CHESAPEAKE, VA – Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) joined local education leaders, city officials, and students at the Chesapeake Career Center to recognize $1,000,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) secured for the Chesapeake Career Technical Education (CTE) Center Project. The funding will support the development of expanded career and technical education programming designed to strengthen workforce readiness and provide students with valuable career pathways.

During the event, Rep. Kiggans joined Chesapeake Public Schools leadership, members of the Chesapeake School Board, and students to highlight the importance of workforce development and career education across Hampton Roads. The Congresswoman presented a ceremonial check to school leadership recognizing the federal investment in the project.

“I’m grateful to be here in Chesapeake with students, educators, and community leaders to highlight federal support for this important workforce development initiative,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Investments like this help ensure students graduate with the skills, experience, and credentials needed to succeed in high-demand industries that are critical to the Hampton Roads economy. I was proud to advocate for this funding because strengthening career readiness is an investment in both our students and our region’s future.”

The funding was included in H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which passed the House of Representatives on January 22, 2026, and provides $1,000,000 in Community Project Funding for the Career Academies of Chesapeake in the City of Chesapeake.

This investment will support the Career Academies of Chesapeake, an initiative designed to modernize career and technical education by aligning academic programming with the needs of local and regional employers. The project includes plans for a new, state-of-the-art facility that will expand current programming and introduce six new career pathways to better prepare students for careers in high-demand industries.

“This federal investment is an important step forward for our students and our community,” said Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools. “Chesapeake has long recognized the value of career and technical education in preparing students for high-demand careers. Support through this Community Project Funding grant will help us strengthen and modernize our facilities so more students can gain the hands-on skills and industry experience needed to succeed in today’s workforce and contribute to our region’s economic growth.”

The Career Academies of Chesapeake project is expected to cost approximately $101.5 million, with Chesapeake Public Schools continuing to secure funding through state, local, and federal partnerships. The school system previously received a $20 million grant from the Virginia Department of Education through the Commonwealth’s School Construction Assistance Program to support the initiative.

As the representative for Virginia’s Second District, Rep. Kiggans continues to champion investments that expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce development, and support long-term economic growth across Hampton Roads.