Erie students will have greater access to hands-on career training thanks to more than $154,000 in new state funding awarded through Pennsylvania’s Competitive Equipment Grants program.
State Representatives Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced that a total of $154,417 has been awarded to local educational institutions to help expand career and technical education opportunities.
Under the funding allocation, the Erie City School District will receive $69,417, while the Erie County Technical School will receive $85,000.
The grants are administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and are designed to help schools purchase industry-standard equipment used in approved career and technical education (CTE) programs.
The Competitive Equipment Grants program provides awards of up to $85,000 to school districts and career and technical centers across Pennsylvania. Funding supports the purchase of equipment that aligns with employer needs and is integrated into approved CTE curricula.
Eligible purchases can include a wide range of educational tools, from healthcare training equipment and dental imaging systems to public safety simulators and trade-specific machinery. The goal is to provide students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that better prepare them for employment after graduation.
Supporters of the program say investments in career and technical education are increasingly important as employers across Pennsylvania continue to seek skilled workers in healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, construction, and other high-demand industries.
More information about the Competitive Equipment Grants program and a complete list of grant recipients is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.