Catalyst Connection Receives ARC Grant to Continue Economic Growth within Coal Impacted Communities
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding helps Catalyst Connection place displaced coal and COVID-19 workers into high-demand jobs. These roles include positions in manufacturing, robotics, and technology fields.
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania: October 22, 2020—A grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) supports our REAL Jobs for Energy and Advanced Manufacturing project. This initiative helps a wide variety of local people work together across southwestern Pennsylvania. It connects high school students starting their careers, unemployed workers, current staff, and manufacturing employers.
Through the REAL Jobs project, high school and community college students can explore modern manufacturing careers and try a smartphone gaming app. The program offers training options for a variety of paths:
- Apprenticeships focused on computer numerical control (CNC) machining tools.
- Hands-on practice with 3D printers and modern factory tech.
- Online and in-person training in machining, welding, and industrial maintenance.
Catalyst Connection partners with trade groups to engage local employers. We run company workshops and match our training directly with real job openings. We work closely with several key regional partners to support small and mid-sized manufacturers:
- BOTSIQ and the Community College of Allegheny County
- New Century Careers and the National Energy Technology Laboratory
- Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Academy and the TEAM Consortium
- Local Workforce Development Boards
We will share all program materials through our online tool, “Making Your Future.”
Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection, shared: “Manufacturing is a vital industry for our future. It provides high-paying jobs with plenty of room to grow for thousands of local workers. The REAL Jobs project helps job seekers start new careers while helping current employees upgrade their skills.”
ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas praised the initiative: “POWER grants play a critical role in supporting coal-impacted communities during economic recoveries. They build vital infrastructure and create fresh economic paths through creative approaches. Projects like this get people back to work.”
About the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
The Appalachian Regional Commission (www.arc.gov) is an economic partnership between the federal government and 13 state governments. It focuses on 420 counties across the region. ARC invests in local communities to build strong economic growth. Since 2015, the agency has invested over $238 million into 293 regional projects.
About Catalyst Connection
Catalyst Connection is a private non-profit group based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We provide expert consulting and training for small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our programs help shops boost sales and improve daily output. We work closely with our clients to keep regional manufacturing vibrant and strong.
Our work is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. We are also backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership.