Late this summer, I wrote to you about PAsmart, a new workforce development initiative that helps people get information about pursuing an education and career in Pennsylvania at any stage of life.

Late last week, Governor Wolf announced the next phase of the PAsmart program: $30 million in grants are now available to invest in K-12 computer science and STEM education, expand registered apprenticeships, and support job training with Industry Partnerships.

Libraries are among those eligible to apply for a PAsmart grant.

What Are PAsmart Grants?
All the information you need to apply for a PAsmart grant is available at: https://www.governor.pa.gov/pasmart-grants/

Here is some basic information.  There are three grant categories:

1. Computer Science and STEM education grants: $20 million
Grants to increase access to STEM and computer science education for Pennsylvania students, with an emphasis on girls, minorities, and other underserved students. Public Libraries are not eligible for the Targeted K-12 Computer Science and STEM Education Grants.  But public libraries are eligible to participate as part of cross-sector partnerships for the Advancing Computer Science and STEM Education grants.

Resources:

• • Request for Proposal
  • FAQs
  • Advancing Grants Webinar Registration: Nov. 20, 2018 @ 2:00pm

Applications are due December 28, 2018.

2.  Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships grants: $7 million
Grants to develop and expand registered apprenticeships and support industry’s need for more skilled workers.  Public Libraries are eligible applicants.

Resources:

• • Request for Proposal
  • FAQs
  • Webinar Registration: Nov. 20, 2018 @ 1:00pm or Nov. 27, 2018 @ 1:00pm

Applications are due December 21, 2018.

3.  Industry Partnerships grants: $3 million
Grants to increase for Industry Partnership grants, for a total investment of $4.6 million.  Public libraries are eligible applicants.

Resources:

• • Request for Proposal
  • FAQs

• Webinar Registration –November 15, 2018 @ 9:30am or Nov. 19, 2018 @ 11:30am

Applications are due December 14, 2018.

Let Us Know
We encourage libraries to work with your local workforce development partners and consider applying for these grants.  Please let Stacey Mulligan, our Library Advisor who specializes in workforce development issues, know if you plan to apply and if you your application is funded.  Her contact information is: (717) 783-5744 or smulligan@pa.gov.

Glenn R. Miller | Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries
Pennsylvania Department of Education | Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Room 200 Forum Building
607 South Drive | Harrisburg, PA  17120-0600
Phone:  717-783-2646  |  www.education.pa.gov  |  @PaDeptofEd
www.facebook.com/PADepartmentofEducation  |  pinterest.com/PADeptOfEd
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The mission of the Department of Education is to ensure that every learner has access to a world-class education system that academically prepares children and adults to succeed as productive citizens. Further, the Department seeks to establish a culture that is committed to improving opportunities throughout the commonwealth by ensuring that technical support, resources, and optimal learning environments are available for all students, whether children or adults.

This communication is issued on the Deputy Secretary’s behalf by Jonelle Darr (jodarr@pa.gov; 717-783-5725)