Pennsylvania College of Technology has received $1.05 million to renovate and expand facilities for its heavy equipment programs, the college announced Oct. 22.
The funding comes from Devon Energy Corp. ($750,000) and Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. ($300,000) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, according to the announcement. The program provides tax credits to businesses contributing to nonprofit community revitalization efforts, the college said.
The work will focus on the college’s 174-acre Heavy Construction Equipment Training Operations Site in Brady Township, just south of its Schneebeli Earth Science Center, according to the announcement. Plans call for improvements to classrooms, labs and student spaces, the college said.
The site is used primarily by students in the heavy equipment operator technology major for hands-on equipment operation, and by students in the heavy equipment technology major for a safe equipment operation course and training in maintaining, diagnosing and repairing heavy equipment, according to the college. The two associate degree programs together enroll about 100 students, the announcement said.
State Sen. Gene Yaw and state Reps. Jamie Flick and Joe Hamm announced the funding, which was part of $6,534,088 awarded to Lycoming County, according to the announcement. Statewide, more than $71 million went to 443 projects through the program, the college said.
