Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday that $10.5 million in CTC Equity grants will be dedicated to the state’s Career and Technical Education Centers. The money is to help the centers implement health and safety plans and resume operations.

“Our communities depend on having these highly skilled students complete their education and earn their certifications,” Wolf said in a statement. “This funding will help these institutions resume instruction.”

The grants, part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds, can be used for protective equipment, cleaning products, online software and other expenses to reopen schools.

Grants were calculated using the allocation formula for federal Perkins CTC grants, based on the population of students and percentage of poverty. Recipients will receive direct communication from the Pennsylvania Department of Education about how to apply.

Northern Westmoreland CTC was allocated more than $45,000, which Administrative Director Kurt Kiefer said will be used to install no-touch sinks, light switches and toilet flushes.

During the spring shutdown, Kiefer said, all of the center’s programs had to shift to teaching “soft skills,” such as résumé building and job hunting. They’re important skills that every class needs to learn, Kiefer said, but it was hard taking away the hands-on learning essential to mastering each trade.

The students “certainly didn’t go forward as much as they could have,” Kiefer said.

At this point, Kiefer said, Northern Westmoreland CTC plans to fully reopen Aug. 26. He said the building has the space needed for ample social distancing, and the staff has developed protocols for directional hallways, temperature checks and mask wearing. The newest allocation from the state will be “put to good use.”

With trade programs that rely on hands-on practice, Kiefer said, it’s important to get the students back in the classroom as soon as possible.

“We have every hope that our kids can safely work this year from inside the school,” he said, “and we’re going to do anything we can to make that happen.”

According to a news release, the number of students in CTC programs has increased by about 50% since the 2014-15 school year. These students will make up a workforce of essential workers that are needed now more than ever, Kiefer said.

“Many of these students start their careers right after graduation, contributing to the economies of their local communities and the state,” Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera said in a statement. “It’s imperative that we keep this pathway available for students.”

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