Berks County Career and Technology Center awarded $140,000 PA grant

The Berks County Career and Technology Center has been awarded a $140,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The grant through the PAsmart Advance Grant program was announced by state Rep. Eric Weaknecht, a Lower Heidelberg Township Republican.

“This grant will help create more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experiences and develop necessary skills for a successful career in STEM, computer science and more,” Weaknecht said. “I’m proud to see investments being made in our students and future workforce.”

The grant program offers up to $500,000 to support large, cross‑sector partnerships that expand access to high‑quality computer science and STEM career and technical education, officials said. The funding helps programs reach more students and adult learners through opportunities like dual enrollment, industry credentials, work‑based learning, apprenticeships and out‑of‑school experiences. These grants also aim to increase the number of certified or highly qualified CS and STEM educators.