HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State lawmakers from Bucks County applauded a $118,200 grant awarded to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board Thursday to help prepare students for in-demand careers.
“Congratulations to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board for bringing home this investment,” said House Commerce Committee Minority Chairman Rep. John Galloway. “Thanks to the board and new CTE investments, businesses and schools are working together and we’re keeping jobs and earners in Bucks County.”
The Department of Labor & Industry awarded more than $2.4 million for Business-Education Partnership grants to 19 local workforce development boards to help businesses and school districts work together.
“The Business-Education Partnership recognizes and implements the critical function of training workers today for careers of tomorrow, and this BEP grant benefits both businesses and the next generation of our community in developing career skills,” said state Rep. Perry Warren.
The grant partnerships will provide career-related experiences through internships, workplace development and mentoring.
“As a longtime champion of CTE education, I’m so happy to see government embracing it and investing in it,” state Rep. Tina Davis said. “I would be hard-pressed to think of another funding source that so quickly infuses the economy or directly impacts a student’s success. I applaud the governor for making this latest investment in Bucks County, where our students and businesses will certainly benefit.”
State Rep. Wendy Ullman added, “Many students and their parents recognize that Career and Technical Education provides an excellent pathway to success in today’s workforce. Schools that offer CTE programs see more of their students graduate, and a large majority of those students are able to secure median level salaries in today’s economy. It’s a win for our students and a win for our employers, who have access to a skilled workforce.”
The Business-Education Partnership grants from L&I are funded through federal money made available from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. For more information about pursuing an education and career in Pennsylvania at any stage of life, visit PAsmart.