HARRISBURG, PA — State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) announced that three entities within Senate District 44 have been awarded $255,000 in state grants to enhance career and technical education programs. The funding is part of $4.5 million in Competitive Equipment Grant allocations provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to 58 schools and career and technical centers (CTCs) statewide.
The grants—designed to update equipment and support hands-on training programs—aim to align technical education with the demands of today’s workforce. Each recipient in District 44 received $85,000. Octorara Area School District will use the funds to improve its Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting programs by purchasing self-contained breathing apparatus. Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center and Chester County Technical College High School will also leverage the grants to further develop their respective programs.
“It is crucial that our Commonwealth continues to fund and support career and technical education, creating opportunities for students to explore rewarding trades and careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree,” said Sen. Muth. “Our CTCs across SD44 and throughout Pennsylvania excel at equipping students with the skills and training they need to succeed in the workforce.”
Under the Competitive Equipment Grant program, individual school entities can receive up to $85,000 for modernizing equipment and ensuring students receive practical, job-relevant training. The program underscores a commitment to preparing students for diverse and in-demand career paths, particularly in trade and technical industries.
This allocation represents a strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s future workforce, addressing employer needs while opening doors for students to succeed in nontraditional career tracks.
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