HERMITAGE, Pa. - United Way of Mercer County and the Mercer County Career Center will be receiving a near $400,000 PASmart Advancing Grant from the Department of Education for a program to teach students STEM and Computer Science skills needed for high-demand local careers.

Pennsylvania Representative, Mark Longietti says the "Digital Passport" program will help expand opportunities for all students, including those in underserved areas.

Longietti says collaboration will help guarantee the program's success.

"Partners in the project have the knowledge and experience needed to build a curriculum that aligns with the specific needs of our region's high-demand employers," Longietti said.

Longietti adds that the program will also help ensure that Mercer County employees have the continuing pool of talented applicants needed to stay competitive.

The grant comes from a package of nearly $20 million in PASmart Advancing Grants awarded to schools across the commonwealth and designed to bolster computer science and STEM learning.