The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently awarded more than $4 million in Competitive Equipment Grants to 55 career and technical centers (CTCs) and school districts statewide for the purchase of equipment for career and technical education programs.
“Career and technical education programs provide students with the skills and hands-on experience they need to build careers in high-demand, high-paying fields throughout the Commonwealth,” Education Secretary Khalid N. Mumin said. “These grants will expand and improve access to first-class equipment and experiences for students and builds on the commitment of the Shapiro Administration to help students chart their own course by making sure all students have access to a world-class education to sustain them for life.”
Statewide, there are more than 80 CTCs, which offer classes and hands-on learning in programs the Department of Education approved. Students earn industry credentials or certifications for high demand local jobs.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget proposal includes $15 million for career and technical education equipment grants and more than $121 million for career and technical education.
In addition, the proposal includes investments to address the teacher shortage and the shrinking pipeline of Pennsylvanians becoming teachers, and increases funding for student-teacher stipends.