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March 02, 2026 - Harrisburg, PA

Shapiro Administration Invests $4.1 Million to Expand Schools-to-Work and Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways Across Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today announced an investment of more than $4.1 million in Schools-to-Work grant awards, supporting 17 projects statewide that will not only prepare high school students for a career but also ensure they have a clear path to employment upon graduation.

The Schools-to-Work program bridges classroom learning with real-world opportunity, aligning training with in-demand industries and workforce needs across the Commonwealth. It also strengthens partnerships among school districts, career and technical centers, employers, workforce boards, and training providers to help students graduate with a clear pathway into their chosen field, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education.

"Schools-to-Work is about making sure students don't just graduate with a diploma, but with direction," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, we have made workforce development for young Pennsylvanians a priority because we know early exposure to real careers changes lives. These investments connect students to hands-on experience, industry credentials, and employers, while strengthening the pipeline Pennsylvania businesses depend on to grow."

Speaker List:
Nancy A. Walker, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District
Cara Klingner, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susquehanna Township School District
Cole Hunsberger, Cadet Teacher, Susquehanna Township School District
Zimere Martin, 2025 Graduate, Former Cadet Teacher



Nancy A. Walker, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, announces $4.1 million statewide investment in L&Is Schools-to-Work Program, expanding pre-apprenticeships and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_01.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_02.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_03.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_04.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_05.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Nancy A. Walker, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, announces $4.1 million statewide investment in L&Is Schools-to-Work Program, expanding pre-apprenticeships and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_06.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Nancy A. Walker, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, announces $4.1 million statewide investment in L&Is Schools-to-Work Program, expanding pre-apprenticeships and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_07.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Nancy A. Walker, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, announces $4.1 million statewide investment in L&Is Schools-to-Work Program, expanding pre-apprenticeships and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_08.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cara Klingner, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_09.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cara Klingner, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_10.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cara Klingner, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_11.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cara Klingner, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_12.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cara Klingner, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_13.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cole Hunsberger, Cadet Teacher, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_14.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cole Hunsberger, Cadet Teacher, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_15.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cole Hunsberger, Cadet Teacher, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_16.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_17.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_18.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_19.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_20.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Zimere Martin, 2025 Graduate, Former Cadet Teacher, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_21.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Nancy A. Walker, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, announces $4.1 million statewide investment in L&Is Schools-to-Work Program, expanding pre-apprenticeships and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_22.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Nancy A. Walker, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, announces $4.1 million statewide investment in L&Is Schools-to-Work Program, expanding pre-apprenticeships and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_23.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cara Klingner, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_24.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Cole Hunsberger, Cadet Teacher, Susquehanna Township School District, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_25.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Zimere Martin, 2025 Graduate, Former Cadet Teacher, discusses L&Is Schools-to-Work program, which would help students graduate with a clear pathway into employment, registered apprenticeship, or postsecondary education, in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/29007_LI_SchoolsToWork_26.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>