Development board gets $175K grant

WEST CHESTER » State Reps. Christina Sappey, D158th, of West Bradford. and Carolyn Comitta, D-156th, of West Chester, announced that the Chester County Workforce Development Board received a $175,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. This grant will go toward funding summer internships in Chester County through the State/Local Internship Program (SLIP).

“This funding will provide job seekers with the experience that they need to secure steady, full-time employment to provide for themselves and their families while contributing to our local economy,” Sappey said. “We have unfortunately seen a decline in skilled workers throughout Pennsylvania, so preparing tomorrow’s workforce for the jobs we need most will benefit Chester County residents and Pennsylvanians everywhere.”

“Investing in quality workforce training promises Pennsylvania a prosperous future with a strong economy,” Comitta said. “This funding can pave the way for many Pennsylvanians to pursue lifelong careers with livable wages. My thanks to the governor for investing in the people of Chester County and providing in-demand job training to our residents.”

The department awarded SLIP funding to 21 Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) that submitted proposals. The program, funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), helps young adults develop workforce preparation skills by providing participants with their first work experience.

The 2020 SLIP will operate for an eight-week period between May 1 and Aug. 28. The program will offer wages at a minimum of $10.35 an hour for people between ages 16 and 24. The 2020 SLIP is 100% funded through federal money through the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.