HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced a significant $200,000 investment in the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Fab Lab Career Awareness Program. This initiative, funded through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant, aims to enhance science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) learning opportunities for middle school students. The program will emphasize advanced manufacturing, computer science, and digital fabrication.
The investment is part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader strategy to build a robust pipeline of skilled workers for Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and advanced technology sectors. By providing technical career training, the administration seeks to meet the burgeoning demand for workers in these industries while helping Pennsylvanians secure jobs with family-sustaining wages.
The Fab Lab Career Awareness Program will offer both in-school and out-of-school experiences. Students will gain extensive exposure to manufacturing and advanced technology workplaces and engage in hands-on learning through virtual reality simulations. The program will utilize the Certify-Ed curriculum, integrating Oculus VR headsets to provide immersive learning experiences. Over the next two years, the initiative aims to train approximately 4,350 students in advanced technology areas.
In addition to classroom-based learning, the program will include field trips for every middle school student in Bucks County. These trips will provide direct engagement with local industries and create a tangible connection between classroom learning and real-world applications. The program also plans to run out-of-school career awareness institutes and clubs, offering students additional opportunities to explore career paths in STEAM fields.
The MTTC grant program, established in 2017, has invested over $25 million in manufacturing training programs across Pennsylvania. It collaborates with local manufacturers to identify and address skill gaps in entry-level applicants, engage youth and individuals with barriers to career opportunities, and enhance the capacity of regional manufacturers.
By focusing on locally in-demand careers, the Fab Lab Career Awareness Program aims to align student training with the needs of regional industries. This alignment ensures that students are equipped with relevant skills and experiences, positioning them for successful careers in advanced technology sectors.
The Shapiro Administration’s investment underscores its commitment to fostering educational opportunities and economic growth within the state. By supporting programs like the Fab Lab, the administration is not only preparing the next generation for future careers but also contributing to the vitality of Pennsylvania’s industries. This initiative highlights the importance of innovative educational programs in driving economic development and creating a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of the evolving job market.
The Fab Lab Career Awareness Program represents a strategic effort to inspire and prepare young people for careers in manufacturing and STEAM fields. Through hands-on learning and virtual reality technology, students will gain valuable insights and experiences that can shape their future career aspirations. As the program unfolds, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the students, the local community, and the broader economy of Pennsylvania.
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