Syrah announces partnership with Concordia Parish Public Schools

Syrah Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Syrah Resources Ltd, is an active anode material company based in Vidalia, Concordia Parish, Louisiana. The company is constructing its first commercial-scale production facility. Syrah Group will be the first large-scale fully integrated active anode material producer outside of China supply critical minerals to the US lithium-ion battery supply chain.

Syrah Technologies is pleased to announce a partnership with Concordia Parish School Board (CPSB), under the dynamic leadership of superintendent Toyua Watson-Bachus. As part of this collaboration, Syrah Technologies will be donating $150,000 to aid in the development of vocational-technical (vo-tech) training programs at three local high schools in Concordia Parish. Syrah Technologies’ investment will be used to update high school buildings with Accredited Training and Education Facility (ATEF) standards and teach National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) core curriculum. These initiatives will contribute to the creation of successful vo-tech opportunities for students and allow them to develop practical skills in high demand industries.

Syrah Technologies is committed to investing in the future of its community and has recognized the importance of vocational education in nurturing a skilled workforce and driving economic growth. The $150,000 donation will be distributed between Vidalia, Ferriday, and Monterey High Schools, where vocational programs will be added as a graduation pathway. These specialized skills, such as electrical work and construction, align with the evolving needs of the job market. “This program will allow students to be introduced to so many possibilities”, said Superintendent Bachus.

The partnership between Syrah Technologies and CPSB reflects a shared commitment to the educational and professional development of Concordia Parish’s youth. Recognizing the importance of skilled technical training in a rapidly changing industrial world, these two groups are working together to ensure students can gain hands-on experience and develop valuable skills in various technical fields. As a demonstration of this commitment, Syrah Technologies’ employees visited the campuses and helped faculty and school board members clear the facilities and prepare them for remodel.

Syrah is dedicated to upholding corporate social responsibility and actively seeks opportunities to contribute to the communities in which it operates, as well as hire local candidates for its roles. This donation represents an integral part of Syrah's commitment to supporting education, fostering innovation, and cultivating a highly skilled workforce for the future.

The vocational technical training programs are expected to launch in the upcoming academic year, offering students a diverse range of learning experiences and preparing them for a successful transition into the professional world.

“We are privileged to partner with the School Board to make lasting sustainable improvement in the community,” said Anne Duncan, VP of US Operations at Syrah Group. “Local students will now be able to qualify in safety, construction, and industrial manufacturing in their high schools. This donation will allow our schools to improve their functional teaching spaces and broaden their curriculum in vocational training. Sustaining our future labor force by providing a direct pipeline from high school to a Syrah career allows students to stay close to home while gaining valuable skills. [This project is] A great local collaboration for strong communities and strong businesses.”