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Stimulus funds for Energy Training Partnership Grants will enhance sustainability of Pennsylvania’s green economy

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) today announced that the Department of Labor has awarded $1,408,601 for the Heritage Health Foundation’s Mon Valley Environmental Innovative Training model (MOVE IT).  The funding is contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (The Recovery Act) and seeks to provide training and preparation for energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

“I am pleased to see recovery funds being used to further Pennsylvania’s green economy,” said Senator Specter. “Training programs targeted at enhancing our green industry create job growth and ensure an energy efficient and environmentally sound future for the Commonwealth.”

“The federal funds going to Heritage Health Foundation are yet another example of the way the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is positively impacting the Commonwealth and the country,” said Senator Casey. “Creating green jobs and training Pennsylvanians to work in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries should continue to be a top priority.”

According to the Department of Labor, funding for MOVE IT will enroll 120 eligible trainees over a 24-month period.   During this time students will receive energy-related training, the opportunity to earn various green job-related certifications and other on-the-job training opportunities to help them put their skills to practice. 

“Our outstanding award recipients were selected because their proposed projects will connect workers to career pathways in green industries and occupations through diverse partnerships,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The funding for MOVE IT is part of a larger Department of Labor announcement made today that the Energy Training Partnership has received $100 million of the $500 million in Green Jobs training grant funding nationwide, made available by the Recovery Act.   The funding helps organizations to design and distribute training approaches that lead to transferable industry credentials and employment, including registered apprenticeships.

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