MEDIA, PA (January 16, 2020) – Sen. Tim Kearney (D – Chester, Delaware) today announced Chester and Delaware Counties will receive $250,000 in Business-Education Partnership (BEP) grants to help local businesses and school districts work together to better prepare students for in-demand careers.

Sen. Kearney made the announcement at a press conference with Pennsylvania Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak at Delaware County Community College in Media, where they visited the nursing and manufacturing simulation labs where students receive hands-on training on industry-relevant equipment.

“These grants will help prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Sen. Kearney. “This funding will go to projects that will build stronger connections between young people and local employers, giving students the skills they need to succeed and providing businesses with a job-ready workforce. I am grateful for this tremendous investment in our economy and our communities.”

The Delaware County Workforce Development Board will receive $100,000 to expand the Two-Generation Career Exploration and Education Program to serve adults and high school students who are interested in exploring manufacturing or health care careers. The program’s goal is to connect students and their parents to apprenticeship programs with Delaware County employers in high-priority industries.

The Chester County Workforce Development Board will receive $150,000 to provide hands-on career exploratory learning beyond the classroom for at least 1,200 elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as 300 parents and educators. This project aims to provide authentic learning for career awareness, expand the Career Ready Chesco website, and expand after school and summer career academies.

The Business-Education Partnership grants, which are awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, are federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act.

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