Bizzarro secures grant funding for community violence reduction

Money will benefit local youth leadership organization

ERIE, Jan. 11— State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced Wednesday that an Erie County organization is receiving grant money through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for community violence reduction efforts.

The Youth Leadership Institute of Erie has been awarded $157,888 to continue its Connected in 5 initiative. Connected in 5 is an educational and career training program that connects high school students with various community resources.

“I’m proud of the work the Youth Leadership Institute of Erie is doing to help empower our students and keep them engaged in their community, in their education and with their peers,” said Bizzarro. “I was happy to help them secure this important state grant funding, so they can continue to prepare Erie students for success in the future, which will ultimately benefit the region and the state.

The Connected in 5 program offers education and career classes that high school students can progress through, helping them identify and refine their strengths, interests and talents. To learn more about the program, click here.

This grant funding was part of the Wolf Administration’s latest $100 million investment in community violence reduction, which will benefit 127 organizations and programs across the state.