Several local career and technical programs received grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

PDE has awarded nearly $1.5 million in competitive grants to 39 career and technical centers and three school districts in 28 counties to purchase new equipment aligned to training students for jobs in high-demand through the Career and Technical Education Equipment Grant program.

“There is an incredible number of job openings for skilled workers in communities throughout Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “This equipment will allow young people to get the hands-on training they need for those good jobs that pay family sustaining wages. I am committed to making job training available so people can get the latest skills to succeed and fill the jobs with employers across the state.”

The maximum grant is $50,000, and each grant must be matched dollar for dollar from a local source, which “Pennsylvania’s career and technical education programs provide students with the skills and training they need to enter into a meaningful, family-sustaining career after graduation, and these grants expand and improve the access students have to first-class equipment and experiences,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Noe Ortega.

There are more than 80 CTCs in Pennsylvania that offer a combination of classes and hands-on learning in programs approved by the Department of Education. Thousands of students earn industry credentials or certifications for local jobs in high demand, so they graduate on a path for success.

Local programs included: Career Institute of Technology, Northampton County, $50,000; Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, Lehigh County, $48,000; Monroe Career & Tech Institute, Monroe County, $14,465;

Schuylkill Technology Centers, Schuylkill, $26,278.