Happy Valley Times

The School Safety and Security Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has awarded a grant to an out-of-school program in Cambria County. This announcement was made by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. and State Representative Jim Rigby.

The Forest Hills School District will receive $250,000 through the Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant program. The BOOST funding aims to help schools expand access to structured programming outside school hours for at-risk youth who face educational disadvantages such as poverty, homelessness, and academic challenges.

This particular BOOST grant will support career cluster programs in the district. It is expected to benefit 300 students by providing them with real-world exposure to high-demand careers in the region through occupationally related community service projects and industry-focused curriculums.

"Our region faces a workforce shortage that's impacting the industries that support our local economy," said Langerholc, a member of the School Safety and Security Committee. "It's important to ensure that our students have the tools they need to build a career for themselves, and this program will help prepare and connect them to opportunities in the area."

Representative Rigby highlighted the significance of the BOOST program: "The award is a product of the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) program, which is designed to create structured opportunities for at-risk, school-age youth," he stated. "I applaud leadership in the district for taking the initiative to apply for this competitive grant on behalf of their students."