PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is the first recipient of a grant from Governor Tom Wolf's PAsmart program, which aims to encourage workforce development in the state.
The $442,000 grant will go towards the Penguins Foundation's STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Lending Library. Established in 2015, the library allows school districts to borrow educational technology equipment to enhance classroom learning.
"It's a great vehicle for us to be able to help in the schools, and the schools need help," said Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse at a press conference Wednesday. "As a foundation, we're committed to the community."
PAsmart is aiming to give out $8.7 million in grants, which will focus on advancing STEM and computer science, as well as establishing apprenticeships and job training.
Wolf 's recently announced budget expands the program.
"We have too many jobs that have too many openings and not enough people to fill those places here in Western Pennsylvania and this kind of initiative really is aimed at addressing that fundamental problem," he said.
The remaining grants will be announced in the coming weeks.