The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance (WPWA) a $272,828 award through the Rural Business Development Program.
The awards are given to projects supporting long-term community and economic growth strategies in rural areas. They are through the USDA Rural Business Development Grant program’s Strategic Economic and Community Development provision.
“We must continue to generate opportunities for increased skill-development and credentials,” Lucyann Vierling, WPWA executive director, said. “Existing and future community-based businesses, industries and organizations require a well-educated, highly skilled, technologically literate workforce to remain viable, competitive entities into the twenty-first century. For Pennsylvania communities to attract new industries and employers, a strong workforce is an important prerequisite.”
The largest industry in Wayne and Pike counties is the hospitality and leisure sector.
WPWA will use the funds to create paid internships and skill-specific trainings relevant to the industry.
Funds also will be used to offer technology-focused training programs in partnership with the local PA CareerLink Office, the local Business Incubator, and the Stourbridge Project.
The training programs and internships will create opportunities for people out of work because of coronavirus-related closures, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) said when he announced the award.
Cartwright is a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.