July 21, 2025 PASSHE: ECE PDO Grant at Shippensburg University Prioritizing Those Enrolled as of May 1 The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has announced that new funding for its Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDO) grant at Shippensburg University is currently on pause. Learn More In early July, Shippensburg University announced the formal execution of the ECE PDO, administered by PASSHE, for the upcoming fiscal year. Through the award, PASSHE will continue to serve as the PDO as it has for the past seven years for the Northeast, Central, and Southwest Region of Pennsylvania, sustaining a professional development system that empowers the ECE workforce and enriches outcomes for Pennsylvania children. However, PASSHE has noted that funding is currently prioritized for students who were actively enrolled in coursework as of May 1 and that all new funding is on pause. “We understand that many of you are eager to plan for the fall semester, and we want to assure you that we are actively working to determine the availability of funds,” a PASSHE statement read. “Our goal is to notify students as soon as possible regarding their funding status for fall 2025.” While PDO funding is currently paused, programs are encouraged to consider covering the cost out of pocket for teachers who need to start a CDA program this fall. Anyone with questions should contact their regional PD coordinator.
April 3, 2019 PAsmart Announces Grant Awardees In February 2019, Governor Tom Wolf announced funding for PAsmart Apprenticeship and Next Generation Industry Partnerships grants which will connect Pennsylvanians with the information needed to succeed in our evolving economy. About PAsmart PAsmart is focused on ensuring Pennsylvania students and workers have the skills and abilities to meet the economic needs of the 21st century. This initiative aims to do this by expanding access to STEM education in Pennsylvania schools, embracing the Next Generation Industry Partnership model, and creating the Apprenticeship and Training Office to increase apprenticeship opportunities within a variety of industries. OCDEL’s Role The Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports the efforts of PA’s Department of Labor and Industry and is working with them to professionalize the early education field. Efforts include increasing access to a career pathway that results in stackable, portable credentials, and providing relevant, developmentally and culturally appropriate content to support educators working with young children to advance their individual career and education progression. Organization Grantees The following organizations will be supported through PAsmart funds: 1100c Training and Upgrading Fund: Will expand their apprenticeship model in Southeastern Pennsylvania Partner4Work: Will establish a regional hub for Early Childhood Education registered apprenticeships in the Pittsburgh Metro Area Keystone University: Will partner with Lackawanna Trail High School, Luzerne County Community College, and Wilkes University to build an Early Childhood Education (ECE) pipeline through a competency-based apprenticeship that leads to an entry-level ECE credential Shippensburg University: Will design curriculum and develop advanced competencies to expand the Philadelphia ECE apprenticeship to four-year programs Arcadia University: Will expand their RA program for ECE First Up and its partners: Will expand upon apprenticeship supports and program to provide career paths in ECE Learn More For more information, visit pasmart.gov. * Information provided by OCDEL’s PA Early Ed Newsletter
