HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Keystone Community Education Council, which serves Mercer County and the surrounding area, received a $600,000 grant to facilitate apprenticeship certification for 32 educators in partnership with school districts and career and technical centers.
The grant was awarded through the Supporting Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program.
“As a former industrial arts and technology education teacher, I understand the challenges facing our technical schools. This grant provides support for securing new teachers and helping students reach their goals,” said Rep. Parke Wentling, R-7th.
The CTRA program, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, offers an innovative, earn-as-you-learn pathway to boost the teacher workforce.
“This funding creates an incredible opportunity for the five career and technical schools and four school districts we will be partnering with for this program,” said Lance Hummer, executive director of the Keystone Community Education Council. “This will expand education opportunities for students across our area, and I could not be more excited for this program to start.”