Mercer County, Pa. - Mercer County Career Center will receive a $35,813 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education after the state announced they will be awarding 39 Career and Technical Centers money for equipment upgrades.

Governor Tom Wolf said that a total of nearly $1.5 million will be given to various CTC's across the commonwealth. The grant is a part of the state's plan to train students for jobs in high-demand. 

"There is an incredible number of job openings for skilled workers in communities throughout Pennsylvania," said Governor Wolf. "This equipment will allow young people to get the hands-on training they need for those good jobs that pay family sustaining wages. I am committed to making job training available so people can get the latest skills to succeed and fill the jobs with employers across the state." 

Mercer County Career Center had not responded to plans for the funds as of publishing.

The state has seen rapid growth in the trade field over the last decade. Since 2015, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 38.7% and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTC programs has grown by 33.6%

The maximum grant a CTC can receive is $50,000. Each grant must be matched dollar for dollar from a local source, which could include local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners.

"Pennsylvania's career and technical education programs provide students with the skills and training they need to enter into a meaningful, family-sustaining career after graduation, and these grants expand and improve the access students have to first-class equipment and experiences," said Secretary of Education Dr. Noe Ortega.

The state has given over $9.3 million in funding to CTC's during Wolf's time in office.