KANNAPOLIS — Kannapolis City Schools has been selected as a national finalist in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program.

The district was chosen from among 2,000 applicants to compete for a $25,000 grant from State Farm.

To win the grant, the school system must get enough online votes to be placed among the top 40 vote-getters. Voting takes place until Aug. 25 at www.neighborhoodassist.com/entry/1996314. Anyone with a valid email address may vote as many as 10 times every day. The 40 organizations that get the most votes will receive the grant.

Kannapolis City Schools officials say the district would use the $25,000 grant to create a comprehensive advanced manufacturing program.

Currently, Cabarrus County has more than 1,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs for which businesses need skilled workers.

The school system hopes to expand its welding program to include advanced manufacturing. The current program has been successful, with 100 percent of its graduates either fully employed or pursuing further industry credentials.

The State Farm grant would provide manufacturing equipment to train as many as 60 students per year. These students would be able to earn industry-recognized credentials and become career-ready by the time they graduate from high school.

“Training students for advanced manufacturing jobs will give them the skills they need to find well-paying employment in our community, which will allow them to stay in this area and support their families, schools and nonprofit organizations. The ripple effect will be a more robust, highly trained workforce that cares about and enhances our region,” said a news release from the school system.

Winners of the State Farm grants will be announced Sept. 28.