Catalyst Connection Receives $2 Million ARC POWER Grant to Help Create Pathways to Employment in Advanced Manufacturing
Exciting news from Catalyst Connection: We’ve secured a transformative $2 million ARC POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission! This substantial funding fuels our Forging Your Future initiative, crafted to cultivate a dynamic and skilled advanced manufacturing workforce across southwestern Pennsylvania.
“With manufacturing driving a $12 billion economy and employing almost 90,000 people in southwestern Pennsylvania, it’s a beacon of hope and prosperity for Appalachian communities,” says Petra Mitchell, Catalyst Connection’s President and CEO. “Manufacturing not only offers competitive salaries and promising career paths but also sparks community rejuvenation. Every single manufacturing job generates an additional 2.6 jobs, amplifying economic vitality across the region. Success for manufacturing companies and their workforce translates to prosperity for all.”
Our Forging Your Future project is introducing a comprehensive, three-tiered training plan to arm Appalachians with the crucial skills needed for cutting-edge manufacturing sectors, such as:
- Energy
- Robotics
- Automation and machine learning
- National defense supply chain
Participants will embark on a structured training journey:
- Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: Budding professionals can dive into pre-apprenticeship training, setting them up for immediate manufacturing roles post-high school.
- Registered Apprenticeships: Those completing pre-apprenticeships, along with other job seekers, can seamlessly transition into full-time, paid, on-the-job training through registered apprenticeships, gaining invaluable field experience.
- State-of-the-Art Learning Labs: In the final phase, participants can enhance their expertise in advanced learning labs, equipping them to tackle the challenges of modern manufacturing technologies.
Catalyst Connection and our partners are unwavering in our dedication to fostering enduring economic progress by empowering Appalachians with the tools to excel in the swiftly advancing manufacturing arena. To read more about the ARC POWER grant, click here.
A press event for this announcement took place on Wednesday, October 16th, at Mill 19 in Pittsburgh. Featured speakers included Petra Mitchell, President & CEO of Catalyst Connection; Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC); and Pennsylvania Representative Summer Lee.
FAQs
What is the ARC POWER grant?
The ARC POWER grant is a federal funding initiative from the Appalachian Regional Commission designed to support economic revitalization in coal-impacted communities. The program focuses on creating new workforce pathways, strengthening regional industries, and expanding access to sustainable, family-supporting jobs.
How will this grant support advanced manufacturing?
The grant supports efforts to build a stronger manufacturing workforce by connecting training programs, employers, and community partners. It helps expand access to hands-on education, industry-recognized credentials, and career pathways that align with the needs of modern manufacturing operations.
Who benefits from this funding?
The primary beneficiaries include individuals seeking employment or career advancement, manufacturers looking to hire skilled workers, and regional partners involved in workforce development. The program is designed to create opportunities for both job seekers and employers within southwestern Pennsylvania and the broader Appalachian region.
What types of training or programs are included?
Programs supported by the grant typically focus on in-demand manufacturing skills such as machining, robotics, mechatronics, and industrial maintenance. These programs often combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to ensure participants are prepared for real-world manufacturing environments.
How does this initiative help address workforce shortages?
By creating structured pathways into manufacturing careers, the initiative helps close the gap between available jobs and qualified workers. It aligns training with employer needs, making it easier for companies to find talent and for individuals to access stable, long-term career opportunities.
How can manufacturers get involved?
Manufacturers can participate by partnering on training programs, offering input on required skills, and providing opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, or job placement. Engagement ensures that workforce development efforts remain aligned with actual industry demand.
What is the long-term impact of this grant?
The long-term impact includes a more resilient manufacturing workforce, stronger connections between education and industry, and increased economic opportunity across the region. Over time, this helps manufacturers grow while supporting community stability and career advancement.
Why is this important for southwestern Pennsylvania?
Manufacturing remains a key driver of the regional economy. Investments like this strengthen the talent pipeline, support business growth, and create pathways to high-quality jobs, helping ensure that southwestern Pennsylvania continues to compete in advanced manufacturing.