BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The state Education Department has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Pennsylvania College of Technology to enhance economic and educational development in the Lehigh Valley.
State Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, and state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, helped secure the Job Training and Education Programs Grant for Penn College, an affiliate of Penn State University in Williamsport, Lycoming County, according to a news release.
“It will help build a stronger talent pipeline, create hands-on training opportunities in high-demand fields, and ensure our region is equipped to meet the needs of tomorrow’s industries."Nick Miller, State Senator, D-Lehigh/Northampton
Miller said in a statement that the grant is a “strategic investment” in the Lehigh Valley’s future.
“It will help build a stronger talent pipeline, create hands-on training opportunities in high-demand fields, and ensure our region is equipped to meet the needs of tomorrow’s industries,” he said.
The grant aims to develop workforce, economic and educational partnerships in the region, with a focus on the polymer, or plastics, industry.
The grant runs from July 1 to June 30, 2026.
Grant Goals
Penn College Regional Industry Relations Officer Angelo N. Fattore will lead the workforce development efforts in the Lehigh Valley, according to the news release.
Fattore is a Bethlehem native who will enter the role after serving as Moravian University’s assistant director of graduate, adult admission and partnership development.
Under Fattore’s leadership on the grant project, Penn College will establish workforce development partnerships in the Lehigh Valley.
It also will join the region’s iTEC Consortium, a regional apprenticeship program aimed at meeting the needs of the Lehigh Valley’s growing manufacturing sector.
“We are excited to receive this grant and to support the corporate and industry relations work that positions Penn College as a leader in promoting workforce development solutions."Michael J. Reed, Penn College President
Penn College also will collaborate with the Lehigh Valley’s community colleges to expand available pathways to work toward a four-year degree in hands-on technology education.
Additionally, Penn College will partner with Allentown School District to provide dual enrollment and pre-apprenticeship opportunities, as well as career development and postsecondary education activities.
“We are excited to receive this grant and to support the corporate and industry relations work that positions Penn College as a leader in promoting workforce development solutions,” Penn College President Michael J. Reed said.
Penn College was named the No. 1 school for veterans and innovation in the North region in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges ranking.
