Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 Receives Grant to Launch The Reentry STEM Community Program
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA – Through a $50,000 grant from the Lancaster County STEM Alliance, Community Education at Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 is helping re-entrants to find meaningful careers in Lancaster County.
The Reentry STEM Community Program, designed for the Lancaster County Prison population, provides training for in-demand fields and career assistance so re-entrants can apply for positions at partner companies in Lancaster and Lebanon counties once the coursework is completed.
“This program gives re-entrants a second chance to grow, succeed, and thrive,” said Community Education Program Director, Timothy Shenk. “We are very proud of all of the students who have completed the program, and we look forward to congratulating more graduates in the year to come.”
Rafael is one success story. He never missed an opportunity to make progress in his coursework in Robotics in Manufacturing and after passing his certification test post-release, he gained employment as a machine mechanic. After he completes his on-the-job training, he will be eligible to move up into his company’s Robotics Department.
Other success stories include Patrick, who finished his Certification in Manufacturing through ToolingU and is now a CNC lathe operator, and Keith, who will soon take his Certification in Manufacturing exam.
The Reentry STEM Community Program has male and female cohorts and includes soft skills training and industry-recognized credentials. To date, 27 students have participated in the program, with 11 of them completing coursework for OSHA 10, Entrepreneurship, Manufacturing, and Robotics certifications.
Grant funding was provided by the Lancaster County STEM Alliance and has been renewed for an additional year.
Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 Community Education provides adult basic education and family literacy services, cultural navigation, and career advising in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. To learn more about opportunities in Community Education, please contact IU13 at (717) 606-1708 or visit https://iu13.org/communityed.
