HARRISBURG (August 10, 2018) In an effort to fulfill her ongoing goal to strengthen the Titusville campus of the University of Pittsburgh, Sen. Michele Brooks announced that she has worked with the governor and the university to secure an additional $4 million in support.
“Moving forward, a collective working group will partner with area job-creators to match job openings with job-seekers,” Brooks said. “This makeover will not only help to keep the local campus as a viable educational facility, but also improve and expand the skilled workforce in the area by engaging regional employers in helping to guide and inform the types of classes offered.”
“I was happy to join Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Rep. Kathy Rapp, former Cong. John Peterson, Titusville Superintendent Karen Jez, Economic Progress Alliance’s Economic Development Director Jim Becker, and so many others in our local working group, who are speaking with one unified voice, to ensure that Pitt’s Titusville campus remains in the Titusville community. I am happy to say, we have accomplished that.”
“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Patrick Gallagher, the Chancellor of Pitt, to discuss the needs of the campus and how we can bolster its enrollment and course offerings going forward,” Brooks said.
In addition to popular nursing and physical therapy programs currently offered by the Pitt-Titusville campus, new certificate programs are being planned by Manchester Bidwell Corporation, such as Chemical Laboratory Tech, Culinary Arts, Electronic Record Medical Assistant, Medical Claims Processor, Medical Coder, Information Systems and Technology, and Pharmacy Tech programs. Other providers are expected to join the campus hub, such as a community college.
The $4 million infusion will help to reconfigure the 35,000-square-foot Haskell Memorial Library. The construction of new rooms will provide 14 classrooms, along with clinical instruction and storage spaces. Additionally, the HVAC, plumbing, electrical system and fire prevention tools will be updated.
“With new program offerings, student enrollment is expected to increase, and regional industries will gain greater access to the well-trained work force they so desperately need,” Brooks said. “We have people looking for jobs, and employers looking for workers. We need to bridge the gap and connect them.”
“I cannot thank the governor, Pitt, the faculty and students enough as we work together to embark upon this bright new chapter,” Brooks said.
CONTACT: Diane McNaughton
dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov 717-787-1322