WARREN — Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was recently named one of 77 school entities awarded a shared sum of $1.4 million by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Gov. Josh Shapiro and his administration formally announced the grant recipients last month, hoping to guide more professionals into special education teacher certification degrees across Pennsylvania.

The $20,000 the college received will be allocated to support high school career and technical education (CTE) students, as well as current Child Development Associate (CDA) students or credential completers to become more familiar with the field of special education. The first Developing Future Special Educators cohort at the institution is set to begin their studies at the start of the spring 2025 academic term. The funds will be used to support a minimum of 12 students who reside in NPRC’s region who are interested in special education careers.

Funding will cover the cost of enrolling in seven academic credits and textbooks at NPRC for students to learn more about special education.

For more information about NPRC’s early childhood education and child development associate programs, visit the college’s website.