May 6, 2026 – Today, Senator Nick Miller (D–Lehigh/Northampton) announced $499,383 in Schools-to-Work grants for Lehigh and Northampton counties to strengthen workforce development opportunities for local students by connecting classroom learning with hands-on career training in high-demand industries.
The funding is part of a $2.7 million statewide investment announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) to support the expansion and creation of 11 Schools-to-Work programs across the Commonwealth. The Schools-to-Work program is designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce pipeline by ensuring students graduate with the skills, credentials, and experience needed to succeed in today’s economy, and is 100% state-funded.
“These investments will prepare students for success in a modern workforce. Northampton Area School District’s new chemistry lab pre-apprenticeship program will equip students with hands-on skills for careers in laboratory science, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing,” said Senator Miller. “At the same time, Lehigh Carbon Community College’s electrician and fiber optics training programs will prepare students for pre-apprenticeships and in-demand careers in the growing electrical and data center industries. The skills developed through these grants are essential to expanding opportunity for students at every stage of their education and to ensuring our region remains competitive for generations to come.”
“We are extremely grateful to receive grant money from the state, which will provide our students the ability to connect practical classroom knowledge and industry-based experience,” Joseph Kovalchik, Northampton Area School District Superintendent. “The students and the overall community will benefit from the Schools-to-Work Grant Program as students prepare for their future careers.”
“This investment is a powerful catalyst for our region’s economic future. By launching these specialized electrician and fiber optics programs, Lehigh Carbon Community College is not just teaching skills; we are building the backbone of the modern digital economy. We are deeply grateful to Senator Nick Miller for recognizing LCCC’s role in bridging the gap between local talent and high-demand careers in the electrical and data center sectors,” Dr. Ann Bieber, President of Lehigh Carbon Community College.
Investments include:
- Northampton Area School District (Northampton County) – $249,383
Funding will support the creation of a chemistry lab pre-apprenticeship program that prepares students for careers in laboratory science, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. - Lehigh Carbon Community College (Lehigh and Carbon Counties) – $250,000
Funding will pilot electrician and fiber optics training programs to prepare students for pre-apprenticeships and careers in the expanding electrical and data center workforce.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the Schools-to-Work program, visit their website.
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