Corry Area School District Receives $200K Grant for Student Manufacturing

The Corry Area School District is set to launch a student-operated manufacturing initiative, thanks to a substantial grant aimed at empowering students across Crawford, Erie, and Warren counties.

Governor Josh Shapiro's budget for 2025-2026 underscores his dedication to nurturing a skilled workforce and bridging workforce shortages in Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg, PA –

In a significant move to elevate job training and workforce development, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger has revealed a $200,000 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant to the Corry Area School District. This funding will bolster the district’s Career and Technical Center by initiating a student-operated manufacturing enterprise.

The program is designed to equip students from Crawford, Erie, and Warren counties with essential manufacturing skills and address local business demand for skilled labor. The Career and Technical Center will offer comprehensive courses in welding, machine technology, and more, providing students with practical experience in manufacturing, marketing, and fiscal management.

Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration emphasize the importance of career training for a robust manufacturing workforce. The 2025-2026 budget proposal highlights investments in workforce development.

“To develop the next generation of skilled workers, we have to meet students where they are and offer them opportunities to grow their skillset before entering the workforce,” stated Secretary Siger. This initiative is a testament to the Shapiro Administration's commitment to enhancing skills and positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in job creation and economic growth.

The MTTC grant will cover equipment, materials, program staff hiring, and collaboration with business consultants to broaden students' understanding of business management, ultimately increasing the number of students entering manufacturing careers to satisfy regional demands.

“We are honored to receive the Manufacturing Pennsylvania Training-to-Career grant from DCED and the Shapiro Administration. It will be instrumental in helping us to start our Student Run Manufacturing Enterprise, which we are hoping to attract more students into our Business, Technology Education and Career & Technical classes,” said Nicholas Krasa, Supervisor of Vocational Education, Corry Area School District. “Our students will gain the opportunity to start a company from the ground level, then design, build & market products. We are hopeful that the experience will help spark the interest of high school students in the manufacturing world.”

The MTTC initiative collaborates with local manufacturers to identify skill gaps in entry-level manufacturing roles, engage youth, and enhance local manufacturing capacities.

The Governor’s proposed budget for 2025-26 includes over $160 million in new and expanded investments for a decade-long Economic Development Strategy, aiming to boost competitiveness, strengthen communities, and tackle housing needs.

The budget includes:

• $12.5 million for WEDnetPA to expand the workforce and address workforce gaps
• $2 million for Career Connect to establish internships at Pennsylvania companies
• $50 million to reinforce the innovation ecosystem and foster life science job growth
• $50 million for Housing Stock Restoration
• $10 million boost for the Act 47 Distressed Municipalities Program to aid financial recovery

For further details on Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal, explore the 2025-26 Budget in Brief, or visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.

For more insights into the MTTC program or DCED, visit the DCED website. Stay informed with DCED updates on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.