Penn-Northwest Awarded $100K for Homegrown Initiative

HERMITAGE, Pa. – Penn-Northwest Development Corporation has been awarded $100,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for its Homegrown Initiative program.

The program is working to reverse the population loss that Mercer County has seen over the past 30 years by encouraging students from area high schools, colleges and universities to consider full-time employment in the county. 

“As we strive to guide young individuals toward fulfilling, family-sustaining careers in Mercer County, the additional $100,000 will continue to support the Homegrown Initiative and the vital role it holds on impacting countless young men and women,” said Rod Wilt, executive director of the Penn-Northwest Development Corporation.

The funding will be used to hold educational events and develop partnerships between Mercer County schools and local businesses.

“We need to do all we can to keep Mercer County’s best and brightest right here at home,” said state Rep. Parke Wentling of Mercer, R-7th. “The Homegrown Initiative is working hard to make it happen by connecting employers with the next generation of local workers.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.