Harrisburg, PA – Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier today announced the department’s plan to distribute more than $3 million in Business-Education Partnership (BEP) Grant funding to 22 workforce development organizations statewide that work to connect Pennsylvania businesses with school districts and students to better prepare youth to enter into an ever-changing workforce.
“The pandemic changed every aspect of our lives, including how we educate our students and prepare them to join Pennsylvania’s workforce,” Secretary Berrier said. “These BEP grants play a vital role in helping students gain the skills to eventually meet the needs of employers across the commonwealth. We are so proud to be awarding nearly $3.1 million to local workforce development boards across Pennsylvania. They will use this money to continue operating their programs that increase awareness of in-demand technical careers for students, parents, guardians, and school faculty.”
The partnerships offer career-related experiences and opportunities for students through soft-skills development, internships, workplace shadowing, and career mentoring, all with the goal of informing more young learners about high-priority occupations and career paths available in the commonwealth.
“One of Governor Wolf’s key workforce development objectives is providing students with the proper training to secure good-paying jobs once they leave the classroom,” said Secretary Berrier. “In the previous round of BEP grants, the commonwealth helped to fund activities that served more than 35,000 people across Pennsylvania. We are simply letting students know what opportunities exist and offering solid first-work experience that puts them on the path of a successful career.”
Southern Alleghenies (Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Somerset – $108,497)
Grant will be used to motivate students in grades 6-12 to pursue STEM and technology careers. The program aims to extend opportunity to employers, parents, and secondary schools to develop our future workforce through innovative and interactive project activities; build partnerships that cultivate an ecosystem that provides opportunities in education, promotes training and encourages resource sharing; and provides local educators opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from local employers.
