Continued investments in public education, equipment, and supplies help the Shapiro Administration “Get CTE Done” for learners across the Commonwealth

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced that more than $4.5 million in competitive grant funding has been awarded to 58 career and technical centers (CTCs) and school districts to help Pennsylvanians chart their own course through career and technical education programs. 

“Pennsylvania’s schools and career and technical centers are providing today’s learners with the tools, skills, and knowledge for the jobs of tomorrow, and these grants enable students to learn on the most up-to-date industry equipment,” said Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer.“The Shapiro Administration is committed to offering students multiple pathways to career success, and this funding will give them a jump start on whichever pathway they choose.”

The full list of recipients can be found on PDE’s Competitive Equipment Grants page.

Here are some great examples:

• The A.W. Beattie Career Center in Allegheny County will use its $85,000 grant to modernize its Homeland Security Law Enforcement, Firefighting and related programs with a new ambulance trainer package.
• The Crawford County CTC will use its $85,000 grant to meet manufacturing demands in the region by purchasing a new compact machining center for their Precision Machining Technology program.
• The Keystone Central CTC in Clinton County will use its $85,000 grant to meet the changing automotive industry demands by purchasing new equipment and certifications for learners.
• The Octorara Area School District in Chester County will use its $85,000 grant to modernize its Homeland Security Law Enforcement, Firefighting and related programs by purchasing self-contained breathing equipment.
• The Middle Bucks Institute of Technology in Bucks County will use its $85,000 grant to purchase new welding equipment that will help its learners build in-demand skills and understand automation in the manufacturing industry.
• The York County School of Technology will use its $85,000 grant to purchase new welding equipment for its Metal Fabrication program to meet the growing demands of the manufacturing industry and best prepare learners for changing workforce needs.   

Under the program, grants of up to $85,000 are awarded to school entities to update or purchase equipment used in the training of students in approved career and technical education programs. The equipment must be aligned with the needs of employers, and programming must provide students with hands-on use of the equipment as part of the curriculum.

This funding is helping the Shapiro Administration “Get CTE Done” through sustained investments in career and technical education across the Commonwealth. In his 2024-25 budget, Governor Josh Shapiro secured historic funding for public education, with a $1.1 billion increase for basic education, a $100 million increase for special education, and a $30 million increase to expand access to career and technical education statewide. Over two years, the Shapiro Administration has delivered more than $65 million for career and technical education and apprenticeships to better serve students as they determine the next steps in their education and career journeys.

Career and technical education provides students with the skills and knowledge to obtain high-priority occupations through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences, which allows them to apply academics to real-world problems.

More than 80 CTCs in Pennsylvania offer a combination of classes and hands-on learning in programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Thousands of students earn industry credentials or certifications for local jobs in high demand, so they graduate on a path for success.