West Chester, PA (February 16, 2024) – A new program at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) was awarded state funding to help connect veterans with career and educational opportunities.
The program, Heroes Rising: Empowering Veterans Through Education and Employment, was one of three initiatives statewide to receive funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Veterans Employment Program.
The CCIU will receive nearly $200,000 in state funding to support the program, which aims to equip veterans with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful civilian integration, fostering a seamless transition from military service to meaningful careers.
“Pennsylvania is home to more than 700,000 veterans, including about 25,000 in Chester County. They have a lot to offer to our communities and our economy and this funding will go a long way in helping them move on to successful careers,” Comitta said. “I thank the Chester County Intermediate Unit for making this program a reality and I appreciate all of the organizations, staff, and volunteers who work to support our veterans.”
“We are immensely grateful for the trust and support given through this grant,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, Executive Director of the CCIU. “With this funding, we will expand the reach and impact of Heroes Rising, empowering veterans to realize their full potential and achieve their goals of employment in the civilian workforce.”
The Veterans Employment Program initiative is designed to help veterans, members of all Reserve units and the Pennsylvania National Guard, and spouses of veterans and service members translate their military skills to civilian life, with a focus on counties with high unemployment rates for veterans.
“This funding is an investment in Pennsylvania’s veteran community and their families, while simultaneously unlocking an untapped labor pool for employers,” Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. “The ripple effect will fortify Pennsylvania communities and bolster the state’s economy.”
“We are grateful to the Department of Labor and Industry for awarding grants that fund programs to help veterans and their spouses,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Veterans return to civilian life with unique job skills that easily transfer to meaningful employment in the civilian sector. They and their families sacrifice a great deal serving our country. It is important that Pennsylvania not only welcomes them home but shows our gratitude by providing them important resources to begin their new career.”
In addition to the CCIU program, nearly $200,000 in state funding was awarded to NuPaths to expand accessibility to entry-level technology career training and support for veterans across the Commonwealth. The statewide program will give veterans an opportunity to enroll in training programs to become an associate website developer, digital marketing assistant, IT security analyst, network technician, project analyst, software testing analyst, or technical support specialist.
The Chester County Intermediate Unit is a dynamic educational service agency providing quality, innovative and cost-effective programs and services to enhance the lives of students, educators and members of our communities.
For more information about the CCIU and its programs, visit cciu.org.