March 3, 2026 – Today, Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) and Representative Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) announced that Lehigh Valley Hospital has been awarded a $250,000 Schools-to-Work Program (STWP) grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry to expand its workforce development initiative, Health Care Futures, in partnership with the Allentown School District’s Bridgeview Academy of Health, Science, Innovation and Technology.
Through this investment, Health Care Futures will expand career exposure and job placement support to Bridgeview while developing and implementing a comprehensive allied health curriculum for students in grades 9–12.
“This investment is about unlocking new opportunities for our students,” said Senator Miller. “Health Care Futures doesn’t just prepare Bridgeview students for graduation. It connects them to family-sustaining careers in health care, giving them hands-on experience that sets them apart in the real world. With this $250,000 investment secured by my office, we are equipping students with the skills, experience, and confidence to build lasting careers, strengthen our local workforce, and serve our community for years to come.”
“This investment is a huge win for both Allentown School District and for Lehigh Valley Hospital to prepare students with the necessary professional skills to transition from schoolwork to the workforce,” said Representative Schweyer.“Today’s announcement is a perfect example of the partnerships the Schools-to-Work Program is designed to create with businesses and school districts and I would like to congratulate the educators and administrators who are working tirelessly on this investment to empower our students and strengthen our local economy.”
“The Schools-to-Work grant represents a transformative investment in the students of the Allentown School District,” said Dr. Birks, Allentown School District Superintendent. “By strengthening our partnership with Lehigh Valley Hospital, we are ensuring that our students don’t just learn about the medical field in a classroom, they are able to experience it firsthand. This collaboration provides a direct pathway to high-demand careers, empowering our youth with the technical skills and professional mentorship needed to lead as the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
The Department of Labor & Industry awards STWP funding to employers, schools, and community organizations to create, launch, and sustain registered pre-apprenticeship career pathways. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between high school or college graduation and successful entry into the workforce.
This announcement follows Senator Miller and Representative Schweyer’s participation in ASD Bridgeview’s January groundbreaking for the new Family and Community Resource Center, which will be the new centralize enrollment support, expand access to coordinated health and wellness services, and offer workforce development resources to the community.
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Contact: Gail Vivar, 201-870-2378