Workshop development boards urged to apply for $2.5M in grants

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Pennsylvania’s 22 statewide workforce development boards are encouraged to apply for $2.5 million in new Business-Education Partnership grants through the Department of Labor and Industry.

Funding is to be used for implementing Business-Education Partnership programs.

The programs increase awareness of in-demand technical careers by connecting students, schools, and employers to opportunities such as career mentoring, internships, workplace shadowing, and soft-skills development.

“This funding supports one of Governor Tom Wolf’s key workforce development objectives to provide students with the technical training they need to get good-paying jobs when entering the workforce,” Labor and Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak said. “These business and education partnerships give students the skills to succeed in today’s economy, while simultaneously creating new generations of highly-skilled workers for Pennsylvania employers.

“These partnerships benefit employers by educating tomorrow’s workforce about the career and technical education job opportunities that exist and provide students with a solid first-work experience that puts them squarely on the path to future success.”

Nearly 29,000 people benefited from last year’s grant activities.

Applicants with questions are encouraged to visit the department’s website.

The grant application also can be found online, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 15.

The grants are fully funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act federal funds.