Rep. Ciresi announces grants for area schools

ROYERSFORD >> State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th Dist., announced grants for two area schools.

The grants are from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and will be awarded to Pottstown School District and to the Western Montgomery Career Technology Center for the purchase of new equipment to train students.

“These grants will provide equipment for handson training to support our students in developing skills needed for indemand occupations,” Ciresi said. “One size does not fit all when it comes to the education of students, and these grants will help support job training programs that we will see pay off with a stronger workforce in our region for years to come.”

The grants will provide funds for the following purchases:

• Pottstown School District’s Career Technical Center has been approved to receive $41,947 for a gas convection double-deck oven, convection stove with 12 open burners, gas griddle, portable filtration, combi oven with probe, braising pan, chef station, gas charbroiler and holding box.

• Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has been approved to receive $50,000 for a 3D printer, TRAK lathe, and CPR and healthcare simulation system.

“Much of the equipment was old and outdated – 20 years-old in many cases,” said David Livengood, Pottstown CTC director.

“These grants will provide equipment for hands-on training to support our students in developing skills needed for in-demand occupations.”

— State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th Dis.

“This grant will help train the next generation of local chefs, bakers and other food professionals. We are grateful for these taxpayer funds and to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Rep. Joe Ciresi.”

Chris Moritzen from Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center added: “The Western Montgomery CTC is excited to be awarded $50,000 through the competitive equipment grant for 2019! This grant will benefit hundreds of students at the WMCTC by continuing to put stateof-the-art equipment in the classrooms and allowing our students to enhance their skills in an ever-changing work environment.”

The maximum grant allowed under the program is $50,000, and each grant must be matched from a local source, which could include local school funds or contributions from business partners.