Reps. Parke Wentling and Tim Bonner announced on June 2 that the Mercer County Career Center has been awarded an $85,000 state grant through Pennsylvania’s Competitive Equipment Grants program.
The grant program is designed to help school districts and career and technical centers update or purchase equipment used to train students in approved career and technical education programs. Equipment purchased through this initiative must align with employer needs and provide students with hands-on training as part of their coursework.
“Mercer County Career Center plays an important role in preparing young people for real careers, whether they choose to enter the workforce after graduation or continue their education,” Bonner said. “This funding will help ensure students are learning on modern equipment that reflects the tools and technology being used by employers right here in our region.”
The center offers programs intended to help students gain technical and workplace skills in fields such as manufacturing, health care, service and retail, transportation, and other high-demand areas. “Not every successful career path looks the same,” Wentling said. “As a former industrial arts and technology education teacher, I have seen that for many students, hands-on learning is the key that opens the door to a family-sustaining job, an industry credential or further training. I am pleased to see this support directed to Mercer County Career Center and the students it serves.”
Bonner contributed to community leadership through roles on boards like the Grove City United Way, served as a Little League manager, maintained an undefeated record in homicide cases during his 18 years as a prosecutor for Pennsylvania and Mercer County, graduated magna cum laude from Westminster College with a degree in political science before attending Notre Dame Law School where he served on Law Review, served on boards such as Grove City Chamber of Commerce as well as chairman of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Disciplinary Hearing Committee; he also represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Legislative District alongside his wife Peggy with whom he has three children, according to the official website.
