April 24, 2025 - McKeesport, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker today visited the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania's Teen Center in McKeesport to highlight the Shapiro Administration's $2.4 million investment in L&I's Schools-to-Work Program (STWP). The grants will support 12 innovative initiatives aimed at creating pathways to family-sustaining careers for high school students.Secretary Walker joined a roundtable discussion with students, employers, and community partners focused on youth workforce development in Allegheny County and the surrounding region to learn more about how these grant dollars will be used in Western Pennsylvania.Through this investment, Partner4Work received $250,000 to launch Cybersecure Pittsburgh-a new registered pre-apprenticeship program focused on high school juniors and seniors interested in technology careers. Developed in partnership with Urban Pathways Charter School, Phase 4 Learning Center, and the Boys & Girls Club, the program provides a centralized, "one-stop-shop" model that combines innovative classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences and credentialing opportunities. Cybersecure Pittsburgh aims to equip students with the foundational skills and credentials needed to enter and thrive in the technology industry."The Boys & Girls Club of Western PA and Partner4Work are doing exactly the kind of work we need more of-meeting young people where they are and opening doors to real opportunity," said Secretary Walker. "Cybersecure Pittsburgh is a model for how community partnerships can help students gain confidence, earn credentials, and step directly into high-growth careers. This is workforce development at its most impactful."Speaker list:Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy WalkerRob Cherry, Partner4Work, Chief Executive OfficerChris Watts, Boys & Girls Club, Vice President of Teen Programs & Partnerships