WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Pennsylvania College of Technology’s welding program could be in line for expansion, pending award of a $2 million federal grant and the college satisfying various conditions associated with the funding.
The Penn College Board of Directors today (June 15) approved acceptance of the grant — from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce — provided it is awarded to the college, and all of its conditions are met.
If awarded, the EDA grant would require a cash match of $3 million, allowing the college to expand its welding facility by 22,000 square feet.
“The college is very pleased to be considered for this grant that will allow for the expansion of one our largest and most popular programs,” said Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost. “The expansion will approximately double the size of the facility to more than 40,000 square feet and will allow us to take an additional 50 students each year. These students, upon graduation, will help fill unmet demand for highly skilled employees in a number of industries. This grant and the subsequent expansion will keep the Penn College welding and fabrication engineering technology program on the cutting edge of technology.”
The grant would require that a restrictive covenant be recorded in the real estate records of Lycoming County to ensure the facility is used for welding education.
Penn College offers a bachelor of science in welding and fabrication engineering technology, associate of applied science degrees in welding technology and metal fabrication technology, and a certificate in welding.
For more about the welding program at Penn College, visit www.pct.edu/welding.
For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.