Burns: $63,600 state grant to offer high school students more opportunities for college

HARRISBURG, April 2 – State Rep. Frank Burns announced today that the Greater Johnstown School District is receiving $63,600 from the Department of Education to expand dual credit programs.

Dual credit programs enable high school students to take college courses and earn credits for both high school and college.

“I’ve always made economic development a priority, and supported programs and grants to make education, training and jobs more accessible to improve the region’s economy,” Burns said. “This grant will give more students more opportunities to work toward higher education and a successful future.”

Dual credit offerings improve academic achievement, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and college completion rates. The Johnstown school district may use the funding to expand dual credit opportunities for all high school students, including those experiencing educational instability, enrolled in career and technical education programs, low-income students, and historically underserved student groups.

Since taking office, Burns has put economic development at the forefront of his efforts and has helped to secure hundreds of millions in state and federal funding for projects and programs large and small, for everything from community parks to education technology and workforce development. He’s also authored and supported legislation to help industries and small businesses, improve transportation connections and lower taxes to increase the region’s economic competitiveness.