Farrell Area School District has received a Schools-to-Work Program grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, according to an announcement by Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer). The grant totals $216,500 and will support the district’s new “Foundations for the Future” Construction Academy.
The program is a registered pre-apprenticeship designed to introduce high school students to careers in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry trades. In partnership with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western PA, the district plans to implement a curriculum that includes technical skills training, math remediation, and work-based learning opportunities.
“As a former Industrial Arts and Technology education teacher, I know this is great news for Farrell Area School District. This funding will help students interested in trades gain the skills they need to enter the workforce after graduation,” said Wentling.
The Schools-to-Work Program provides grants to employers, schools, and community organizations to create or maintain pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways connecting students with employment opportunities after graduation.
Rep. Wentling lives in Greenville with his wife Jennifer and their two children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree focusing on instructional technology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He spent 17 years as an educator in the Wilmington Area School District. In addition to his legislative duties representing Mercer County, he serves as Republican vice chairman of the Game and Fisheries Committee, Republican chair of the Subcommittee on Parks in the Environmental Resources and Protection Committee, and Republican chair of the Subcommittee on Townships in both the Local Government Committee and Environmental Resources committees. More information about Rep. Wentling can be found on his official website.
