New Grant Supports Building Our Future Workforce Initiative

The Challenge Program, Inc. is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2,000 grant from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to support its Building Our Future Workforce initiative in Indiana County. The award comes from the Bork Family Fund at the Community Foundation.

Barbara Grandinetti, Executive Director of The Challenge Program, Inc. said the funds would be used to purchase a pocket projector and portable screen that will be used to market the program and attract new manufacturing partners in Indiana County.

With baby boomers retiring at a rapid pace and new jobs being created through economic expansion, the need to expose high school students to careers in the manufacturing industry is critical,” she said. “Through this grant, our goal is to build partnerships between manufacturing companies and local high schools to introduce students to these careers and help develop a skilled and motivated future workforce.”

Founded in 2003, The Challenge Program, Inc.’s mission is to build sustainable Business/Education partnerships while introducing students to careers in their communities. This partnership contributes to economic and workforce development by motivating students to develop the solid work habits required to succeed in school and in their future careers.

The Program currently includes 122 participating schools, including five in Indiana County, and partners with 16 companies representing the manufacturing industry. Participating schools and businesses interact with each other through The Challenge Program, Inc.’s in-school assemblies as well as customized workforce connection activities, which may include career fairs, classroom presentations, project-based learning, job shadowing and internships.

For more information about participating in The Challenge Program, Inc., contact Sara Deyarmin, Manager of Program Development, at 814-341-0928 or deyarmins@tcpinc.org.

The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies exists to improve the quality of life for residents in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford and Indiana counties by connecting community needs with the passions of families, businesses, and individuals. Through strategic and responsive grant making, it supports programs and organizations that create long- term solutions to the most pressing needs in our community. Its mission is to serve the best interests of its donors in perpetuating their philanthropic interest in financially supporting the community, using the Foundation’s integrity, accountability, and community knowledge. For more information about CFA, call 814.536.7741 or visit cfalleghenies.org.