Posted: | May 6, 2015 11:03 AM |
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From: | Senator Judith L. Schwank |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Governor's budget proposal package - Career & Technical Education |
I will introduce legislation in the near future to improve career and technical education opportunities that is part of the governor's 2015-16 fiscal year budget proposal. More than ever, rebuilding our middle class and creating a better future for Pennsylvania residents depends on developing workforce skills with a business-driven education and training strategy. An economic resurgence in Pennsylvania is within reach if students and working families have the skills that employers require. Because greater education and training levels aligned with employer needs will increase economic opportunity, this legislation will provide up to $15 million to help school districts, career and technology centers, higher education institutions, employers and labor organizations establish public-private training partnerships for high-demand, high-growth occupations that pay a living wage and career growth opportunities. Thirty grants of up to $500,000 each will be awarded, with the goal of at least one in each Workforce Investment Area, so students have the opportunity to earn college credit and industry credentials through work-based learning. It also will provide for $5 million in equipment grants for career & technical education, with a priority for applicants that also have an in-kind or monetary contribution from employers or other partners. Finally, to develop pathways that draw students to pursue high-skill careers, it also will provide $8 million to help school districts fund college and career counseling in middle and high schools. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB114