Educators Invited to Tour Geisinger Research, Business Facilities

As part of its Educator in the Workplace series, Pennsylvania College of Technology's Outreach for K-12 Office and the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corp. will offer an opportunity for local educators to tour two Geisinger facilities, where they will learn about employment opportunities and needs in the region.

The May 5 tour, scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m., will encompass the Geisinger Center for Health Research and Geisinger Ventures. Geisinger Research focuses on biomedical science, genetics, re-engineering ways to provide efficient and effective health care, and clinical studies. Geisinger Ventures manages a growing portfolio of early- to mid-stage businesses and creates strategic partnerships with innovative companies.

In addition to the tour, teachers receive Act 48 hours and a complimentary dinner.

The popular Educator in the Workplace tours began in Spring 2009. Funded through the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corp. by a $6,000 grant from the state Department of Labor & Industry and a $5,100 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the tours are open to educators from K-12 schools throughout the 10-county region served by CPWDC. The events are offered at no cost to the teachers or the school districts.

Educator in the Workplace provides an opportunity for business to connect with and support schools, their educators, and ultimately their students. The teachers receive an overview of the company's operations, learn about the education and work values that are essential to local businesses, and see real-life examples of how reading, writing, math and science are used in the workplace, which they can then share with their students.

The tours also open dialogue for further collaboration with educators, including setting up tours or work-shadow opportunities for their students.

K-12 teachers, counselors and administrators may register for the May 5 Geisinger tour online or by calling the Outreach for K-12 Office at Penn College at 570-320-8003.

Additional Educator in the Workplace tours are scheduled for May 20 at Lycoming Engines in Williamsport and May 27 at Kydex in Bloomsburg.

This year's events focus on the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative, a partnership dedicated to preparing the commonwealth for global competitiveness through a statewide strategy of enhanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and career-development opportunities for Pennsylvania students and communities.

For general information about Penn College, visit on the Web , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

For more information about grant-funding opportunities, faculty and staff may contact the Grants and Contracts Office at ext. 7562 or through its Web portal.