HARRISBURG – A $77,387 grant awarded by the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) today will improve the ability of local schools and businesses to work together to better prepare students for different career paths, according to Senator Judy Ward (R-30).
The grant to the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board will support programs to motivate students in grades 6 through 12 to pursue STEM and technology careers. The funding will also provide educators opportunities to gain knowledge and insights from employers and help local schools tailor educational programs to the needs of local businesses.
“It is critical to make sure the lessons learned in the classroom can help young people succeed after graduation,” Ward said. “The needs of businesses today are very different from the requirements of 10 or 20 years ago. I look forward to seeing how this funding will help young people learn the skills that will help drive innovation in local businesses for many years to come.”
“We are very excited to receive our fifth, fully funded Business Education Partnership Grant. This year’s initiative will have a focus on STEM; thousands of our youth in grades 6th through 12th will learn about STEM and technology-related career opportunities right here in our region,” said Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board Director Susan Whisler.
The funding was provided through the Business-Education Partnerships grant program, which is administered by L&I and funded by the federal government. The grant to the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board was one of 19 grants totaling $2.4 million that were awarded statewide in the current round of funding.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490