Pittsburgh, Pa. − January 17, 2020 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced the award of $35,000 in state grants for computer science classes and teacher trainings to each of five local school districts.
“I was honored to stand with Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera today as we made this announcement at the Allegheny County Intermediate Unit’s annual STEAM showcase,” said Senator Costa. “We had a great visit with this program, which is preparing local students for the jobs of tomorrow. I look forward to what our local districts will accomplish in the coming years with the grants awarded today.”
Over the next 10 years, 71 percent of new jobs in Pennsylvania will require employees to use computers and new technologies.
The grants are awarded through the PAsmart grant program, which will provide $20 million to bring high-quality computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in elementary, middle, and high schools, and professional development for teachers.
The districts in the 43rd senatorial district that were awarded $35,000 each are:
- Pittsburgh School District
- Woodland Hills School District
- Penn Hills School District
- Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship
- West Mifflin School District
The state budget included $30 million for PAsmart last year and $40 million this year. PDE will award $20 million between the Targeted and Advancing grants. The Department of Labor and Industry will soon announce $10 million for apprenticeship and job training grants. Funding for career and technical education also increased by $10 million.
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