PA Ed Newsroom

$2.5M Adult Education Budget Proposal Supports Blair County Workforce Development

The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced Shapiro Administration investments in adult education, with over $474,000 provided to the Altoona Area School District Adult Education Program since 2023. The Governor's 2026-27 budget proposal includes $2.5 million for adult education initiatives statewide, building on the $2 million used in May 2025 to make GED tests free for Pennsylvanians. More than 20,000 residents annually receive services through these programs.

$3M Migrant Education Program Serves 7,000 Students, Achieves 92% Graduation Rate

The Shapiro Administration announced $3 million in investments over three years to Pennsylvania's Migrant Education Program (PA-MEP), which served nearly 7,000 students during 2024-25. The program achieved a 92% graduation rate for 12th-grade participants, with over 60% of graduates planning to attend college. PA-MEP assists children of agricultural workers with interrupted schooling through tutoring, summer programs, and in-home support.

Pennsylvania Invests $375M in Student Mental Health Across 800+ Schools Since 2023

The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania has made available nearly $375 million to schools since January 2023 to support student mental health and security needs. More than 800 schools have expanded access to mental health services, and over 200 counselors have been hired during this period. Governor Shapiro has proposed an additional $111 million in the 2026-27 budget for school safety and mental health supports.

$65M CTE Investment Adds 3,000 Students Across Pennsylvania

The Shapiro Administration has increased Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding by nearly 50 percent since 2023, representing a $65 million investment. This funding has enabled 3,000 additional students to enroll in CTE classes across Pennsylvania, expanded teacher recruitment, and supported equipment purchases at career and technical centers and high schools statewide.

PA Student Teachers Eligible for $10,000 Stipends Through New Program

The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania student teachers can now apply for $10,000 stipends through the PA Student Teacher Support Program for the 2026-27 school year. The program, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, requires recipients to commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years after completing their placement. Governor Shapiro has proposed increasing total program funding to $35 million annually, including $5 million more for PHEAA to administer stipends to approximately 2,300 student teachers.