Thompson Announces Nearly $1.6 Million in Grant Funding for Pennsylvania State University

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) today announced the Pennsylvania State University is the recipient of two grants through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) totaling nearly $1.6 million that will support regional business development and manufacturing modernization. The funding comes from ARC's Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative (POWER).

“This funding is an important step toward revitalizing our workforce and investing in the future industries that will help small, rural communities in Pennsylvania to thrive for generations,” Rep. Thompson said. “I am grateful for Penn State’s leadership in implementing programs that empower businesses, employers, workers, and manufacturers to succeed.”
 
Rural Innovation Network: Agriculture, Outdoor Business, and Manufacturing Centers of Excellence

Pennsylvania State University will receive $1,195,785 to promote entrepreneurship, workforce training, and industry development within the agricultural, outdoor recreation, and small manufacturing sectors to ensure long-term viability and future opportunities for the region.

This federal investment will:

• Provide technical assistance and sector-specific training modules for 100 businesses and 320 workers;
• Support the creation and retention of 350 jobs across three high-growth industries;
• Launch 28 new programs through the commercialization of new products and services.

In addition to ARC funds, local and state sources will provide $1,195,659, bringing the total project funding to $2,391,444.
 
Mobile Automated Process Solutions for Manufacturing Modernization (MAPS)

Pennsylvania State University will receive $400,000 to help implement mobile robotics and automation integration services for small and medium-sized manufacturers and other industrial businesses in Central Pennsylvania. In addition to serving businesses, these real-world use cases will form the basis of educational and workforce development experiences to support future workers. MAPS will conduct site visits to assess current business processes, determine the viability and benefit of technology adoption, and prototype potential automated solutions at no cost to the business owner.
 
This federal investment will: 

• Serve nine businesses, three communities, and 136 participants;
• Inform groups of potential careers in advanced manufacturing;
• Provide participants with a foundational understanding of automated manufacturing processes.

In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $400,001, bringing the total project funding to $800,001.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission:  

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
 
About Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative:

Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative (POWER) targets federal resources to expand economic opportunities for coal communities. By strengthening multiple industries including advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and workforce development, new sources of private investment are targeting Appalachia’s coal communities.