Wentling Announces Grant for Farrell Area School District

March 2, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) today announced that Farrell Area School District (FASD) has been awarded a Schools-to-Work Program (STWP) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

This funding, totaling $216,500, will be used to help fund FASD’s new "Foundations for the Future" Construction Academy. This is a new registered pre-apprenticeship program designed to connect high school students with high-demand careers in the electrical, plumbing and carpentry skilled trades. In partnership with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western PA, FASD will implement an industry-aligned curriculum that provides students with technical skills, math remediation and work-based learning.

“As a former Industrial Arts and Technology education teacher, I know this is great news for Farrell Area School District. This funding will help students interested in trades gain the skills they need to enter the workforce after graduation,” said Wentling. 

STWP grant funding is awarded to employers, schools, and community organizations to help create, launch, and maintain registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship career pathways that bridge the gap between high school or college graduation and the job search process.