In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation establishing a new scholarship program designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s skilled trades workforce while expanding post-secondary opportunities for students.

Pennsylvania faces significant shortage of workers in industries that are essential to economic growth, infrastructure development, and community stability. This legislation would create a direct and reliable pipeline from education and training to employment.

The proposed PA WORKS Program (Workforce, Opportunity, Retention, and Knowledge Scholarship) would be modeled after the Commonwealth’s successful tax-credit supported scholarship programs. Under PA WORKS, eligible businesses could direct tax credits toward scholarships for students enrolled in Pennsylvania-based institutions of higher education that offer programs in specified high-demand fields.

By reducing financial barriers for students pursuing technical and professional degrees in the trades, PA WORKS will expand access to careers that offer sustainable wages and long-term economic opportunity. Employers will benefit as well, gaining access to a predictable pipeline of well-trained workers whose skills align with real-world industry needs.

This strategic investment in education and workforce development will strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy, support critical industries, and help ensure that infrastructure and development projects are completed by a skilled workforce trained right here in the Commonwealth.

I invite you to join me as a co-sponsor of this important legislation.