STATE COLLEGE, July 18 – A grant totaling $133,106 has been awarded to Pennsylvania State University to bolster tutoring programs for adult learners, state Rep. Paul Takac announced today. The grant was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Tutoring Program for Adults and will be earmarked to train adult literacy education tutors who provide instruction to students participating in adult education and literacy activities. “This grant support underscores the power of literacy and lifelong learning,” said Takac, D-Centre. “I am excited to see Penn State receive this award, which will significantly enhance their adult tutoring programs and positively impact communities across the commonwealth. “It is our responsibility to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. I am committed to working to continue investing in and supporting programs and initiatives that open doors for adult learners to achieve their academic and professional goals." Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Statewide Training & Technical Assistance: Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any potential applicant who can produce the training and technical assistance opportunities to meet the goals and objectives of the program. Use: Funds for the proposed project shall be used to implement training and technical assistance to law enforcement officers to align with STOP Implementation Plan goals and objectives, including to enhance the capacity of local communities to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women. Funds: Projects should not exceed a total of $105,000 over a three-year period. Application Deadline: August 23, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Statewide Training & Technical Assistance: Prosecution Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any potential applicant who can produce the training and technical assistance opportunities to meet the goals and objectives of the program. Use: Funds for the proposed project shall be used to provide training and technical assistance to Pennsylvania Prosecutors to improve the Read more

STATE COLLEGE, July 18 – Centre County residents will benefit from expanded adult literacy resources, thanks to new grant funding of $133,106 to Penn State University, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grant – awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education – is part of a package of funding to five school entities to train and support volunteer adult literacy education instructors, or tutors, who instruct students in adult education and literacy programs. “Literacy holds the key to so many life opportunities, from finding good-paying jobs and successfully navigating community resources to helping one’s children with homework,” Conklin said. “But too many adults still struggle with basic literacy needs. This new funding will bring those essential skills to more residents, including many for whom English is a second language, so they can chart a more productive future for themselves and their families.” More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/education-details.aspx?newsid=1479#:~:text=Harrisburg%2C%20PA%20%2D%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Department,adult%20education%20and%20literacy%20programs . Read more

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, praised the 2024-25 PA budget passed Thursday by the General Assembly for delivering historic investments in public education that will help address longstanding funding inequities existing between wealthy and lower-income school districts in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget includes $1.3 billion in funding for public schools statewide. “This budget delivers historic investments in public education, making good on our promise to address longstanding, chronic underfunding of lower-income school districts,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This state budget takes a serious step forward in fulfilling the state constitution’s requirement that Pennsylvania provide ‘a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.’ “I am proud to say that this year’s budget has increased funding for the School District of Lancaster, Penn Manor, Hempfield and Manheim Township.” The budget increases funding for Lancaster County school districts, including over $10.8 million in increased funding and cost savings for school districts in the 49th Legislative District: School District of Lancaster: $6.8 million Penn Manor: $4 million Hempfield: $2.3 million Manheim Township: $3.2 million “This year’s historic investments are a promising new start, but we need to continue on an audacious Read more