(TNS) — Two Westmoreland County, Pa., career and technology centers and another in
Allegheny County will update their educational equipment with the help of state grants.
The Department of Education this week awarded nearly $1.2 million in competitive matching grants to 32 such centers across the state, and to two school districts, for equipment to train students for occupations that are in high demand.
The grants include $50,000 to Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in
Derry Township, $30,021 to Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in
New Stanton and $49,700 to Parkway West Career and Technology Center in
North Fayette Township.
Eastern Westmoreland CTC will use its grant to purchase a
Freedom Tilt
frame machine for auto collision repair training and a
Dell Power Edge
computer server for its computer engineering technology program.
"Both of these items directly align to numerous tasks for the programs and will help prepare our learners for industry-relevant careers," said
Todd Weimer
, administrative director. "The server in particular will be invaluable as EWCTC has expanded the computer engineering program to include a cyber security pathway for learners."
Matching funds for the grant include a donation from
California-based TRAK Machine Tools that will provide two lathes for students completing machine tool training. Local funds will be used to purchase a Hossfeld Bender for the center's welding program, Weimer said.
Central Westmoreland CTC will use its grant to purchase a tire balancer and a brake lathe for its automotive technology program, allowing students to "earn certifications on equipment found in industry," said administrative director
Jason B. Lucia
.
It also will add a cutter and a combination tool, used in vehicle rescues, for the center's protective services program. With those tools,
Central Westmoreland students will be able to obtain "Basic Vehicle Rescue Operations Certification, which is a prerequisite for EMT certification," Lucia said.
Parkway West CTC's grant will support purchase of welding equipment and a diesel truck trainer.
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