RED HILL — Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) announced today that she has secured state grants to support multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools across the 24th Senate District. The grants, which total $1,000,000, were awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Job Training and Education Program to support CTE facility improvements and new equipment purchases.
“Keeping Pennsylvania competitive on a national and global scale means investing in our career and technical education programs,” Pennycuick said. “The equipment funded through these grants will empower our students to take on new challenges, expand their skills, and benefit from meaningful hands-on learning experiences.”
The announcement follows a recent visit the Senator made to Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center [PHOTO INCLUDED], during which she met with students and staff to see improvements made possible with grant funding she has delivered over the past four years.
Since 2023, the Senator has helped secure more than $1,000,000 in state grants for Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center. These investments have supported major security upgrades and funded essential equipment for the school’s culinary, automotive, and welding programs.
The following schools received grants from PDE’s Job Training and Education Program:
Brandywine Heights Area High School – $250,000 for upgrades to its carpentry program woodshop.
“The requested grant funding will allow Brandywine Heights Area School District to replace and upgrade the dust collection system in our high school woodshop, ensuring a safer and healthier learning environment for students and staff. Building upon a previous grant investment that expanded our woodshop and introduced modern woodworking equipment, this project addresses the increased demands of our growing instructional program. By investing in updated infrastructure, we are strengthening career and technical education, providing students with hands-on experiences, and preparing them for future careers in the skilled trades, manufacturing, engineering, and related industries,” said Andrew Potteiger, Superintendent. “We greatly appreciate the support of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Senator Pennycuick for their continued support of our School District and their recognition of the importance of investing in key career and technology opportunities for our students. This funding represents an investment not only in our facilities but also in the safety, skills, and future success of our students.”
Berks County Technical Career Center – $250,000 to expand its electrical occupations program.
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Tracy Pennycuick for her continued support of career and technical education and for helping secure this $250,000 Job Training Grant for Berks Career and Technology Center. This investment will directly support the expansion of our Electrical Occupations program, allowing us to provide more high school students with comprehensive, hands-on training in a field where skilled professionals are in significant demand,” said Dr. Michael Stauffer, Executive Director. “Our region’s employers continue to identify electricians and related skilled trades as critical workforce needs, and this funding will help us expand access, modernize training opportunities, and better prepare students to transition directly into employment, apprenticeships, and postsecondary education. We sincerely thank Senator Pennycuick for recognizing the importance of investing in our students and in the future of the Berks County workforce.”
Pottstown High School – $250,000 to support its CTE Career Camp for 7th and 8th graders, and purchase a new forklift and additional equipment for CTE students at Pottstown High School.
“The Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Pottstown High School sincerely appreciate Senator Tracy Pennycuick and state government officials for their continued investment in local workforce development through the Job Training Grant,” said Teri Baller, Director of CTE at Pottstown High School. “Over the past several years, this critical funding has directly elevated hands-on learning opportunities for Pottstown students. Grant funds have supported essential upgrades to classroom technology and equipment across CTE programs, ensuring students train on industry-standard tools. Additionally, the funding has made possible the annual summer CTE Career Camp, an interactive experience where middle school students explore five different career paths in five days. Investing in CTE is investing in our future workforce. It’s priceless, thank you!”
Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center – $250,000 for equipment to support its culinary arts, welding, automotive and diesel technology programs.
“We are extremely grateful to Senator Tracy Pennycuick for her continued support and commitment to career and technical education at Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center. Through her efforts, we have been able to secure critical grant funding to modernize our Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, Welding, and Diesel Technology programs, providing our students with industry-standard equipment and hands-on training opportunities that directly align with workforce needs,” said David Livengood, Executive Director. “Additionally, last year’s $450,000 investment to upgrade our exterior doors and implement a modern access control system will significantly enhance the safety and security of our students and staff. This funding goes far beyond equipment and building improvements. These are investments in our students, our local workforce, and the future of our community. Senator Pennycuick understands that when we invest in career and technical education, we create opportunities for students to graduate with the skills, certifications, and experiences needed to enter high-demand, family-sustaining careers. Her partnership is helping us prepare the next generation of skilled workers while ensuring they learn in a safe, modern environment.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges. PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.
CONTACT: Sean Drakeley – (215) 541-2388