Crispus Attucks York Awarded $100,000 from DCED for Workforce Development Program

On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Crispus Attucks York (CAY) Community Center was filled with energy and excitement as leaders, partners, and community members gathered for a press conference announcing a major investment in York’s youth. The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) awarded CAY a $100,000 grant to support a two-year manufacturing training-to-employment program for young adults. Big thank you to State Representative Carol Hill-Evans for helping CAY connect and make this possible!

 

 

This workforce initiative is a collaborative effort between Crispus Attucks York and the South Central PA Manufacturer’s Association. The program is designed to equip young adults 18-to-24-year-olds from low-income families who traditionally face high unemployment with the skills and certifications needed to launch successful careers in manufacturing. This field continues to grow and offers meaningful job opportunities across the region.

 

Speakers at the press conference included:

 

Mr. Robert Simpson, CEO of Crispus Attucks York, emphasized the importance of accessible, real-world training opportunities. “This funding will allow us to expand pathways for young people in our community to secure stable employment and build strong futures,” Simpson stated.

 

 

 

Mrs. Gwen Ross, representing Workforce Development Initiatives at DCED, highlighted the state’s commitment to regional partnerships that drive economic mobility. “Programs like this are critical to closing skills gaps and ensuring Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector continues to thrive,” she said.

 

Mr. Barry Freeland, Director of CAY’s Employment and Training Center, shared details about the program structure, which includes hands-on training, soft skills development, and direct connections to employers. “We are not just training job seekers — we are helping to build the next generation of manufacturing leaders.”

 

 

Mr. Brian Paterniti, Director of Workforce Development at the Manufacturers’ Association, spoke about the strong demand for talent in the industry and the value of aligning training programs with employer needs. “This is the kind of partnership that creates real impact,” he noted.

 

This grant marks a significant step forward for CAY’s mission to provide economic opportunity and education to underserved populations in York. With the support of the DCED and the Manufacturers’ Association, the new training program will help young adults move confidently from the classroom into high-demand careers.

 

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting program and the stories of the young people it will empower.