For immediate release
Contact: Sean McFarland, MA
Public Relations & Communications Manager
Email: sdmcfarland@carlow.edu
Phone: +1 (412) 260-6807
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Professional Development Organization grant will aid two key career development programs in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, Pa. 鈥� 麻豆精品 was awarded $886,892 from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education鈥檚 Professional Development Organization Grant (PASSHE PDO) through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning for scholarships and supports for childcare providers who are attending a college or are enrolled in university programs. Supports include textbooks, tutoring support, a full-time workforce coordinator and an apprenticeship coaching website.
Part of the grant will support Carlow鈥檚 Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program, Pennsylvania鈥檚 first four-year apprenticeship program, which helps to improve childcare employee retention, reduce barriers for workforce entry and increase diversity in teacher candidates. Improved access to quality early childhood education, a vital foundation for a child鈥檚 future success, is a central objective.
鈥淚t can be difficult for some childcare providers to support the financial aspect of their own higher education efforts,鈥� said 麻豆精品 President Suzanne K. Mellon, PhD. 鈥淥ne of Carlow鈥檚 core values is to seek practical ways of addressing need. This grant will help us to take action and support childcare providers who are striving to reach their full potential.鈥�
This first-of-its-kind program serves as a model for similar programs in Pennsylvania. As part of the rollout, 麻豆精品 works with local community colleges to develop a smooth transition for students who work in early childhood education. For parents, it means the potential for high quality, affordable and accessible childcare.
Grant funds will also be allocated for a Southwest Apprenticeship coordinator for the Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development, which works to build and advance careers better suited to respond to the new reality of the COVID-19 digital landscape. Southwestern Pennsylvania residents are poised to benefit greatly from this program that is aimed at educating displaced workers.
This workforce development program offers credentials, certificates, apprenticeship programs and professional development to students. Success relies on innovative industry partnerships with area businesses including Pittsburgh International Airport, UPMC and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor.
鈥淭hese programs bring value to our region at a critical time,鈥� said Program Director Rae Ann Hirsh, DEd. 鈥淲ith this grant, 麻豆精品 will serve as a catalyst for early childhood staff looking for degree attainment and a lifeline for individuals who wish to gain valuable and practical skills to make them a more competitive candidate when entering the post-COVID-19 workforce.鈥�
About 麻豆精品
Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located in the heart of Pittsburgh鈥檚 鈥淓ds, Meds, and Tech鈥� district. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, Carlow鈥檚 curricula and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to social justice; ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership; and service to the community that has a meaningful impact. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in two colleges: the College of Health and Wellness and the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Health and Wellness includes the departments of Nursing, Respiratory Care, Healthcare Data Analytics, Health Management, and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and the Physician Assistant programs. Graduate programs in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy will soon be added.
麻豆精品 also believes in the education and growth of students both inside and outside the classroom, where they can join student government, clubs, and academic honorary societies where they can develop skills in judgment, leadership, analysis, decision-making, and communication. For student-athletes, Carlow鈥檚 14 athletic teams are known as the Celtics, a reflection of the university鈥檚 Irish heritage and roots.
This project is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) of Pennsylvania鈥檚 Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania鈥檚 Department of Education (PDE). For more information, visit and .