NuPaths, an IT and tech workforce development training provider, co-founded by Harrisburg University to prepare students for well-paying and in-demand entry level roles in technology jobs in six months, has been awarded state grant from Gov. Tom Wolf to provide career exploration and entry into career training for 72 sophomores and juniors at seven southcentral Pennsylvania high schools in Cumberland and Dauphin Counties.
“The $250,000 grant provides students with IT career exploration opportunities and the ability to earn industry certifications and college credits while in high school. The experience with the NuPaths courses will help build solid career paths to employment or post-secondary education,” says Andy Petroski, President of NuPaths.
In the 2022-23 school year, students from Big Spring, Carlisle, Central Dauphin, Cumberland Valley, Harrisburg, South Middleton, and Susquehanna Township high schools, will participate in an online afterschool course to earn an industry certification and college credits. Thirty (30) of the students who complete the afterschool program will be selected to enroll in a NuPaths pre-apprenticeship program as juniors and seniors during the 2023-2024 school year.
Launched in 2018, NuPaths is a college alternative for recent high school graduates, veterans and those in career-transition. Students learn the IT skills and receive the industry-recognized certifications needed to enter today’s IT Job market. NuPaths also works with high school students through programs embedded into the school day and in afterschool programs.
NuPaths has educated over 400 students, who have earned over 750 certifications and almost1,700 college credits. NuPaths is a training partner with 12 workforce development boards in PA and has worked with high school students from 25 PA school districts.
Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier said the Commonwealth’s economic future depends on developing and maintaining a well-educated and highly trained workforce.
“By investing in programs like Schools-to-Work, this administration continues to flex its creativity in how we support the commonwealth’s economy through the development and retention of skilled workers – with the ultimate goal of providing financial security and a better quality of life for the citizens of Pennsylvania,” Berrier said. “These grant recipients are creating pathways between high school and apprenticeships in their industries, with a strong emphasis on equity and elimination of barriers to obtaining these jobs.”
The funding will support partnerships between schools, employers, organizations and associations to create employment pathways for students and reduce barriers to family-sustaining jobs.
These opportunities are funded through the Reemployment Fund, which assists individuals to become employed or improve their employment. The Reemployment Fund is funded by a portion of employee tax paid under the Unemployment Compensation (UC) Law.
To apply for an upcoming program cohort, or for more information, visit the NuPaths website at www.nupaths.org.
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Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University is a private nonprofit university offering bachelor and graduate degree programs in science, technology, and math fields. For more information on the University’s affordable demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, call 717-901-5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Follow on Twitter (@HarrisburgU) and Facebook (Facebook.com/HarrisburgU)
