Funding Enhances Educational Experiences
Published 01.04.1999
The educational experiences of numerous students will be enhanced thanks to $877,109 in federal funds awarded to Pennsylvania College of Technology through the "Perkins Local Plan" of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Advanced Technology Education Act.
A total of $357,541 is being channeled to provide comprehensive academic and career services to eligible students. With the remaining amount $519,568 the College will acquire new instructional equipment. The monies are for the current 1998-99 academic year.
For the academic support element of the project, "Perkins Local Plan" monies provide a comprehensive network of student services including pre-orientation programming, tutoring, computer lab assistance, study skills, supplemental instruction and basic skills review sessions, career exploration and placement services, retention services targeting "at risk" students, job search skills, and services for students with physical, emotional or learning disabilities.
The instructional equipment component further strengthens students' academic opportunities and obtainment of advanced technical skills. Majors benefiting from acquisition of equipment include: automotive technology, mass communications, aviation maintenance, carpentry/building construction, plumbing, architectural technology, heavy construction equipment, culinary arts, and electrical technology.
"Through instruction on and experience with industry-standard equipment, students significantly improve their employability options. In some instances, this translates into starting salaries of $40,000 or more after only two years of college," commented Dr. Grant Berry Jr., vice president for development. "This grant and similar awards in previous years have enabled Penn College to remain Pennsylvania's premier technical college."
It is estimated the "Perkins Local Plan" grant served 3,967 students during the 1997-98 academic year through services and equipment purchases. Penn College provides matching funds of $26,974 for the academic support component and $519,568 for the instructional equipment acquisition, bringing the total project value to over $1.4 million.