Butler Tech marked a milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for the $12.1 million expansion of its Bioscience Center, West Chester Campus. The event, attended by local officials, healthcare leaders, and Butler Tech students, signals a significant step toward meeting the growing demand for healthcare education and workers in Southwest Ohio.
The 25,000-square-foot expansion, funded by a $7.2 million grant from Ohio’s Career Technical Construction Program and an additional $4.9 million from Butler Tech, is set to open in January 2026. With the region experiencing a 15% rise in student applications, the expansion will allow Butler Tech to enroll more students in high-demand healthcare programs. This new facility will not only create new career pathways but also foster stronger partnerships with local healthcare providers such as West Chester Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
During the ceremony, Butler Tech Superintendent and CEO Jon Graft emphasized the importance of the project for the future of healthcare education and shared that this has been a project in the making for more than four years. By listening to the community and local healthcare partners, and with the help of state and local officials, it has now become a reality.
Butler Tech Board President Brett Guido, alongside Representative Jennifer Gross and County Commissioner Don Dixon, expressed their enthusiasm for the project, noting the importance of supporting educational initiatives that directly impact the regional workforce. Senior Healthcare Science student Dhan Khadka also addressed the audience, sharing her excitement for the future opportunities this expansion will bring to students like her.
The event concluded with the ceremonial groundbreaking and a photo opportunity, marking the official start of construction. Once completed, the Bioscience Center will offer students unmatched opportunities to earn diplomas, certifications, and degrees, all while gaining hands-on experience in real-world healthcare environments.
The expansion of Butler Tech’s Bioscience Center demonstrates the commitment to transforming lives through career-ready and college-prepared education, ensuring the next generation of healthcare professionals has access to the tools and resources necessary for success.
