North Wales, Pa. − December 28, 2018 − Today, State Senator Maria Collett announced the award of grant funding from the Department of Labor and Industry for Business Education Partnerships in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

“Education is just one part of the picture when it comes to preparing our workforce,” said Senator Maria Collett (D-12). “On-the-job training helps people develop valuable skills and provides opportunities to learn about various career options. This grant will be a great service to our workforce, our economy, and our communities.”

The Business Education Partnership of Montgomery County was awarded $87,975 to provide career-related experiences and development opportunities through soft-skills development, internships, workplace shadowing, and career mentoring, all with the goal of engaging more students in acquiring the technical skills needed by employers. The partnership will include participation from a broad range of groups including: MontcoWorks; Manufacturing Alliance of Bucks and Montgomery Counties; Choice Careers LLC; MidAtlantic Employer’s Association; Montgomery County Development Corporation; Montgomery County Community College; Penn State- Abington; Partnership Transportation Management Association; Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce; Eastern Montgomery Chamber; Greater Montgomery County Chamber; Main Line Chamber of Commerce ; and local  school districts (Central Montco Technical High School, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, North Montco Technical Career Center, Western Center for Technical Studies, Abington SD, Colonial SD, Hatboro-Horsham SD, Methacton SD, Norristown SD, North Penn SD, Perkiomen SD, Plymouth Whitemarsh SD, Pottstown SD, Souderton Area SD, Upper Perkiomen SD).

Bucks County groups received $109,830.60 to fund career exploration, education and preparation, which will serve Bucks County schools, youth and businesses. The project objectives are to increase career awareness and opportunities for students and educators of career paths in manufacturing, healthcare, and other in-demand industries in Bucks County. This partnership will include participation from Morrisville High School, Upper Bucks County Technical School, Executive Leaders Radio Talk Show, ETC NASTAR, Bucks County IU #22, and Bucks County Juvenile Detention Center.

These grants were fully federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act.

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