Best Vocational Rehab Grants in Pennsylvania

Students ages 18–25 in Western Pennsylvania pursuing vocational or trade programs can receive multi-year scholarship support for accredited trade schools or 2-year colleges in Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Foundation supports vocational and trade education by funding the Economic Opportunity Scholarship in Trade and Apprenticeship for residents of Allegheny and six surrounding counties who demonstrate financial need.

High school seniors in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania pursuing higher education in drawing, design, architecture, or industrial arts programs can receive scholarship support for vocational and trade-related studies. With a mission to strengthen education, Armstrong County Community Foundation provides merit-based, nonrenewable awards for students attending approved 2- or 4-year colleges, technical schools, or select certificate programs within 300 miles.

High school seniors and adult students pursuing trade arts at accredited career, vocational-technical schools, or community colleges in Pennsylvania can receive scholarship support for their vocational education. The Armstrong County Community Foundation gives preference to seniors or post-graduate students from Armstrong, Butler, Elk, or Cameron counties, helping them prepare for skilled occupations in the region.

Students from Allegheny or Fayette counties in Pennsylvania pursuing higher or vocational education at Pennsylvania-based colleges or universities can receive multi-year scholarship support through the Semensky Scholarship Fund. Pittsburgh Foundation awards go to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with financial need, strong GPAs, and a preference for first-generation college students.

Norfolk Southern Foundation provides Pennsylvania vocational and trade students with US $5,000 scholarships for rail-industry training. Individuals enrolled in eligible post-secondary trade, technical, community college, or railway certification programs in select states may receive support for careers such as locomotive engineer, conductor, maintenance, welding, electrical, construction, or heavy equipment operation.

Public school districts and area career and technical schools in Pennsylvania can apply for Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program; awards US $500,000 - US $5,000,000 for major facility upgrades. Funding can support HVAC, roofs, plumbing, energy-saving projects, accessibility, health and safety, internet connectivity, and related improvements that may benefit vocational and trade education spaces.

Community-based, tax-exempt or fiscally sponsored organizations in Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic can seek up to US $200,000 for workforce development in community forestry and arboriculture. Focused on vocational and trade education, the Chesapeake Bay Trust supports job training, apprenticeships, and career pathways that advance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Pennsylvania working on career awareness, technical or vocational training, or broader workforce readiness can apply for CNX Foundation’s CNX Foundation Grant. Funding supports tangible, local programs in Appalachian communities, and may benefit vocational rehab initiatives that address job skills, reentry services, or related socio-economic challenges.

Pennsylvania students pursuing vocational, trade, or other postsecondary education can access funding through the Ritton Family Foundation’s Par Mar Stores Scholarship Program. High school seniors and undergraduates are considered based on academics, community involvement, activities, work experience, career goals, and financial need, with multiple scholarships available and the option to reapply each year.

The Justamere Foundation focuses on removing barriers to self-sufficiency by supporting innovative community programs. They prioritize four key areas: trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, and arts education. By providing grants and non-traditional scholarships, the foundation aims to empower individuals and create lasting change. Their mission is to connect underserved communities with essential resources, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Larger, established 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing vocational and trade education or health-related programs in Pennsylvania and other eligible U.S. locations can seek multi-year program continuation or expansion funding. The L.B. Research and Education Foundation supports work addressing educational and health opportunity gaps for adolescents, post-secondary students, and adults, with a focus on underserved populations and innovative, research-informed approaches; awards range from US $10,000 - US $75,000.

Female graduating high school seniors in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, or Lancaster County planning vocational or higher education in fashion, fashion design, or business may be eligible for the Mary Sachs Memorial Scholarship Fund in Pennsylvania. Grants from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities support full-time study at 2- or 4-year colleges or trade schools, with extra consideration for in-state schools.

Caroline J.S. Sanders Trust 2 provides Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) organizations with US $3,000 - US $7,000 for education, health, human services, public benefit, and related programs. Nonprofits offering vocational or trade education, scholarships, or workforce-related services—especially for youth, elderly, indigent, homeless, or disabled populations—may be strong candidates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania seeking up to US $10,000 for tangible items to support education, vocational and trade training, and related community services may be eligible. Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation supports programs that improve social conditions, expand education, and enhance job readiness, with precedence for Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania groups.

Apprenticeships on the Move

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $4,000,000 in funding for Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce. 

The purpose of this NGA is to support the development of new registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, or the expansion of existing registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships that strengthen Pennsylvania's workforce and advance the Commonwealth's economic development priorities. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project addresses workforce needs within the industry or occupation served and supports the goals of Governor Shapiro's Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development and the Pennsylvania WIOA Combined State Plan.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Established by law in 1978, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By bringing together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions, PCCD coordinates the collective examination of problems, proposes solutions, and evaluates the impact of those solutions.

PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Solicitation

Funding Stream: Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Funds

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is now accepting applications for funding under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Funding is intended to advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are Pennsylvania Academic, Career and Technical Training (PACTT) Affiliates.

Funds are being made available by the ESC, DHS, and PCCD to all the existing privatelyoperated residential, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are PACTT Affiliates to support efforts in Academic Instruction, Work-Related Services, and/or Job Skills Training.

Grant Tiers

Grants are awarded in tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, as well as a Rejuvenation Grant.

Grant Tier 1

Agencies having received PACTT Affiliate status and not on Provisional status, are eligible for a maximum award of $25,000.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Established by law in 1978, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By bringing together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions, PCCD coordinates the collective examination of problems, proposes solutions, and evaluates the impact of those solutions.

PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Solicitation

Funding Stream: Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Funds

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is now accepting applications for funding under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Funding is intended to advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are Pennsylvania Academic, Career and Technical Training (PACTT) Affiliates.

Funds are being made available by the ESC, DHS, and PCCD to all the existing privatelyoperated residential, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are PACTT Affiliates to support efforts in Academic Instruction, Work-Related Services, and/or Job Skills Training.

Grant Tiers

Grants are awarded in tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, as well as a Rejuvenation Grant

Grant Tier 3

Agencies having received PACTT Affiliate status and not on Provisional status, are eligible for a maximum award of $15,000.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Established by law in 1978, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By bringing together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions, PCCD coordinates the collective examination of problems, proposes solutions, and evaluates the impact of those solutions.

PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Solicitation

Funding Stream: Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Funds

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is now accepting applications for funding under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Funding is intended to advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are Pennsylvania Academic, Career and Technical Training (PACTT) Affiliates.

Funds are being made available by the ESC, DHS, and PCCD to all the existing privatelyoperated residential, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are PACTT Affiliates to support efforts in Academic Instruction, Work-Related Services, and/or Job Skills Training.

Grant Tiers

Grants are awarded in tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, as well as a Rejuvenation Grant

Grant Tier 4

Agencies having received PACTT Affiliate status and not on Provisional status, are eligible for a maximum award of $10,000.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Established by law in 1978, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By bringing together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions, PCCD coordinates the collective examination of problems, proposes solutions, and evaluates the impact of those solutions.

PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Solicitation

Funding Stream: Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Funds

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is now accepting applications for funding under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Funding is intended to advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are Pennsylvania Academic, Career and Technical Training (PACTT) Affiliates.

Funds are being made available by the ESC, DHS, and PCCD to all the existing privatelyoperated residential, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are PACTT Affiliates to support efforts in Academic Instruction, Work-Related Services, and/or Job Skills Training.

Grant Tiers

Grants are awarded in tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, as well as a Rejuvenation Grant

Grant Tier 2

Agencies having received PACTT Affiliate status and not on Provisional status, are eligible for a maximum award of $20,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities serving adults with workforce development or small business support programs in Pennsylvania can apply for Truist Foundation grants of more than US $15,000. Truist Foundation provides Pennsylvania vocational and trade education nonprofits with funding to build career pathways, reskill and upskill workers, and strengthen supports for diverse and women-owned small businesses.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Established by law in 1978, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By bringing together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions, PCCD coordinates the collective examination of problems, proposes solutions, and evaluates the impact of those solutions.

PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Solicitation

Funding Stream: Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Funds

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is now accepting applications for funding under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Funding is intended to advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are Pennsylvania Academic, Career and Technical Training (PACTT) Affiliates.

Funds are being made available by the ESC, DHS, and PCCD to all the existing privatelyoperated residential, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are PACTT Affiliates to support efforts in Academic Instruction, Work-Related Services, and/or Job Skills Training.

Grant Tiers

Grants are awarded in tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, as well as a Rejuvenation Grant

Grant Tier 5

Agencies having received PACTT Affiliate status and not on Provisional status, are eligible for a maximum award of $5,000.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Pennsylvania can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants supporting vocational and trade training, workforce readiness, and community development. Typical awards range from $10,000 to $25,000 and prioritize measurable, sustainable outcomes, especially projects advancing diversity, inclusion, financial capability, and long-term economic mobility for underserved residents.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Established by law in 1978, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By bringing together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions, PCCD coordinates the collective examination of problems, proposes solutions, and evaluates the impact of those solutions.

PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Solicitation

Funding Stream: Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Funds

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), is now accepting applications for funding under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Funding is intended to advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are Pennsylvania Academic, Career and Technical Training (PACTT) Affiliates.

Funds are being made available by the ESC, DHS, and PCCD to all the existing privatelyoperated residential, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are PACTT Affiliates to support efforts in Academic Instruction, Work-Related Services, and/or Job Skills Training.

Grant Tiers

Grants are awarded in tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, as well as a Rejuvenation Grant

Rejuvenation Grant

Agencies having been affiliated with PACTT for an extended period AND have been awarded an Innovation Grant, are eligible for up to $30,000 over a 3-year period to modernize, update, expand upon, or fill service gaps related to its PACTT related programming. Specifically, this funding is intended to address ongoing expenses related to previous PACTT grant-funded purchases. Starting new programs is not eligible under a Rejuvenation Grant.

PACTT Affiliates on provisional status are not eligible to apply under this funding announcement. (See more in the attached PDF document).

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on workforce preparation, vocational education, or youth career readiness in Pennsylvania can apply for funding to build in-demand skills, provide work experiences, and support job readiness. RBC Foundation USA provides support for programs that help people gain credentials, bridge school-to-work transitions, and overcome barriers to sustained employment.

Pennsylvania Department of Education 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges.

PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.

PAsmart

PAsmart is an initiative with the goal to expand inclusion in Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science teaching, learning and talent development, to help ensure students across Pennsylvania have the skills to meet the economic needs of the dynamic Pennsylvania economy.

Pennsylvania's future depends on the development of a highly skilled workforce able to compete in the global economy.

PAsmart strategically invests resources in education and training opportunities to support Pennsylvania's economic growth now and in the future.

PAsmart Grants

PAsmart grants support high-quality Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science learning and professional development opportunities to communities across Pennsylvania, including within early learning centers, libraries, out-of-school time providers, career and technical centers, post-secondary institutions, and K-12 schools. The department awarded over 500 PAsmart grants since the 2018-19 school year.

Grant Application Information

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is pleased to issue this request for applications to fund programs that address the large gaps in CS and STEM career and technical education offerings and expand access to historically underserved students of all ages.

Applicants may apply for funds in one of two tiers of grants, each with its own purpose and target audience: PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning Grants and PAsmart Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants

PAsmart Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants

These grants are high-level comprehensive grants meant to facilitate regional approaches to systemslevel change, in alignment with the grant notice priorities, principles, goals, and the career clusters noted in Section III.

Innovation grants are designed to support broad, cross-sector partnerships that are using the ecosystem and networked approaches to establish integrated or stand-alone CS or STEM career and technical education offerings and are meant to accelerate efforts such as, but not limited to:

• Expanding access to CS or STEM career and technical education (especially for historically underserved students, adult learners, and communities) through learning experiences that promote career-connected learning, advanced standing, dual credit enrollment, industry credentials, integrated education and training, work-based learning, internships, pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, satellite career and technical education sites, out-of-school time experiences; and
• Expanding the number of CS and STEM certified or highly qualified career and technical education educators.

Pennsylvania Department of Education 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges.

PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.

PAsmart

PAsmart is an initiative with the goal to expand inclusion in Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science teaching, learning and talent development, to help ensure students across Pennsylvania have the skills to meet the economic needs of the dynamic Pennsylvania economy.

Pennsylvania's future depends on the development of a highly skilled workforce able to compete in the global economy.

PAsmart strategically invests resources in education and training opportunities to support Pennsylvania's economic growth now and in the future.

PAsmart Grants

PAsmart grants support high-quality Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science learning and professional development opportunities to communities across Pennsylvania, including within early learning centers, libraries, out-of-school time providers, career and technical centers, post-secondary institutions, and K-12 schools. The department awarded over 500 PAsmart grants since the 2018-19 school year.

Grant Application Information

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is pleased to issue this request for applications to fund programs that address the large gaps in CS and STEM career and technical education offerings and expand access to historically underserved students of all ages.

Applicants may apply for funds in one of two tiers of grants, each with its own purpose and target audience: PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning Grants and PAsmart Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants

PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning Grants

These grants are entry-level grants intended to support communities with plans for designing and testing an integrated career and technical education and workforce training systems in alignment with the grant notice priorities, principles, goals, and the career clusters noted in Section III.

PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning grants are designed to support broad, cross-sector partnerships that use collective impact (ecosystem) approaches to establish integrated or stand-alone CS and STEM career and technical education offerings and are meant to accelerate efforts such as, but not limited to:

• Expanding access to CS and STEM career and technical education (especially for historically underserved students, adult learners and communities) through the design of learning experiences that lead to dual credit enrollment, industry recognized credentials, work-based learning, internships, pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, satellite career and technical education sites, out-of-school time experiences, skills bootcamps; and

• Expanding the number of CS and STEM career and technical education certified or highly qualified educators.

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