State Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks) has announced a $150,000 grant to establish a Dual Enrollment to Early Childhood Teaching Pipeline Program in Bucks County.
The funding will be awarded through a contract with United Way of Bucks County. The program, named Future Ready Early Educators, is designed to introduce high school students to careers in early childhood education and provide opportunities to begin their professional training while still in school.
“Families deserve access to quality early childhood education, and that starts with having qualified educators in the classroom. This training program will give our students the ability to enter the classroom as instructors sooner and with a strong background,” Hogan said.
“At United Way of Bucks County, we believe strong communities are built by creating opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Marissa Christie, president and CEO of United Way of Bucks County. “Future Ready Early Educators brings that vision to life. Students in our career and technical education high schools gain an affordable path to college and meaningful careers, early childhood programs gain a stronger workforce, and working families gain greater access to quality childcare. As a result, more children will enter school ready to learn. This investment strengthens the foundation of our future workforce and creates opportunity across generations.”
Through partnerships with Bucks County Community College, Bucks County Technical High School and other participating technical schools, students will be able to participate in a combination of dual enrollment coursework, college advising, career exploration, job shadowing and workforce readiness experiences.
“We are thrilled to work with partners to help prepare future early childhood educators,” said Patrick Jones, president and CEO of Bucks County Community College. “This program will help young people discover their future careers and meet workforce needs across Bucks County.”
“Pennsylvania needs more qualified early childhood educators, and our MBIT students are ready to do that work. This pilot gives them a clear path into the field and advanced standing in their studies by providing college credit and real classroom experience while they are still in high school. We are grateful to the Department of Education for this investment and to our Pre-K Counts partners, who helped shape the program from the start,” said Dr. Mark Covelle, administrative director, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology.
“This partnership gives BCTHS students a valuable opportunity to earn college credits, gain real-world experience, and explore a rewarding career in early childhood education. We are proud to help expand opportunities for our students while strengthening the early educator workforce in Bucks County,” said Mark Holtzman, director, Bucks County Technical High School.
Credit: Submitted