Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have announced 42 PAsmart Advancing grants totaling nearly $20 million focused on the expansion of computer science, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for students across the state of Pennsylvania.

According to a  news release by Wolf on Tuesday, the projects will be for developing K-12 data science, as well as increasing the amount of K-8 educators with a computer science focus for the northeast part of the state; engineering and digital fabrication for elementary level students; and increasing computer science studies for high school students.

“Our historic investments in education throughout my administration are ensuring a better future for our children and a stronger Pennsylvania,” Governor Wolf said in the release. “These PAsmart awards focused on STEM education are particularly valuable in putting commonwealth students on a path to the best jobs of the future.”

One project is “Millersville University and National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT)-C4C PAsmart Grant Partnership Model,” which is led by Millersville University. The focus is on training for school counselors and promoting underrepresented students with a priority for female students entering STEM careers.

Another project is the “Public Library STEM Club Initiative,” which is led by Franklin County Public Libraries and the Video Game Clubs of America, which engages 50 public libraries over seven counties to promote STEM and social-emotional learning through gaming clubs with students in grades seven through 12.

All 67 Pennsylvania counties will be served by at least three grants, and more than three quarters of the counties will be impacted by four or more projects. 

Gov. Wolf and his administration have invested $116 million in STEM and $20 million each year for PAsmart since he took office. 

“Equitable access to STEM and computer science programs gives students from all walks of life the skills they need to obtain meaningful, family-sustaining careers, and these grants will provide thousands more learners the opportunity to build on their skillset, grow and achieve,” Acting Secretary Eric Hagarty said in the release.