Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has been selected as one of the pilot institutions for a new PASSHE program to help Pennsylvanians advance in their careers.
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has announced that Harrisburg University, Shippensburg University, and community agencies are the first recipients of a #Prepared4PA grant that supports the creation of innovative credentialing program to help Pennsylvanians advance in their careers. The State System Foundation will serve as a strategic thought partner and administrator for the program.
The program is an agribusiness pilot is designed to address workforce demands and the subsequent career pathways of those who work in that industry. In addition to Harrisburg University, this partnership involves Shippensburg University, the GIANT Co., Harrisburg Area Community College, and SCPa Works. It will create upskilling programs for current workers and serve as a model that could migrate across other industries in the Commonwealth.
“We are honored to be part of the team selected by the PASSHE foundation as a pilot for this program. Harrisburg University is known for contributing innovative workforce development solutions and will do so for this pilot in collaboration with the other partners involved,” says Dr. Beverly Magda, associate provost of Corporate Partnerships at Harrisburg University.
Initial funding was provided by major national donors including the Lumina Foundation and Strada Education Network. Ongoing funding to support the tuition costs of students who benefit from the effort will come from employers, government grants and philanthropy.
The initial pilot is designed to foster partnerships in communities among employers, workforce training providers, and higher education institutions.
“The State System is looking to refresh its vision for public higher education, and to that end, we’re reimagining our education and business models for the 21st century,” said Cindy Shapira, chair of the State System’s Board of Governors. “The #Prepared4PA program helps us meet that goal and our mission. Pilot programs like this can have great benefits for students, universities, and local economies essential to Pennsylvania’s success.”
“The time is now for higher education, a key driver of local economies in the commonwealth, to be innovative in creating short term diverse, equitable and inclusive credentialing opportunities for individuals in Pennsylvania,” said Cynthia Pritchard, CEO of the State System Foundation.
For more information on #Prepared4PA, please visit its website at Prepared4PA.org.
ABOUT PASSHE
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education oversees 14 four-year public universities educating more than 93,000 students. The State System offers more than 2,300 degrees and certificates in more than 530 academic areas. The State System universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities of Pennsylvania.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University is a private non-profit university offering bachelor and graduate degree programs in science, technology, and math fields to a diverse student body. For more information on the University’s affordable demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, call 717.901.5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.
