Area vocational schools receive state funding to boost offerings
Three area schools were awarded PAsmart Advancing Grants for Career and Technical Education Wednesday by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Admiral Peary Area Vocational Technical School got $450,000, with Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center earning $75,000 and Windber Area School District being awarded $75,000.
These grants will be used to expand access to computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
'At PDE, we are committed to supporting innovative education and workforce development projects that ensure today's students are prepared with the skills they'll need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow,' Pennsylvania Department of Education acting Secretary Carrie Rowe said in a release.
'I'm proud of Pennsylvania's commitment to career and technical education, which equips students with skills, credentials and hands-on experiences they need to excel in high-demand fields like STEM and computer science.'
Rowe added that the funding reflects the state's continued commitment to 'providing every learner in Pennsylvania with the tools to build a successful future.'
The area schools were three of 55 organizations across the commonwealth to receive a combined $10.35 million through these grants.
According to PDE, institutions that received $400,000 or $450,000, such as Admiral Peary, have innovative projects planned to expand access to career and technical education for STEM and computer science curriculum.
The $75,000 grants are geared toward supporting collaboration between schools and local or regional CTE providers, PDE said.
The smaller amount may also be used to help communities design and plan local or regional approaches to expanding career education in computer science and STEM.
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