Director of Pennsylvania Afterschool Network Updates Coalition on Smart STEM Initiative

Earlier this week, the Coalition’s Policy Forum received an update from Laura Saccente, Director, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network, on the status of the early implementation of the $30 million PAsmart STEM Initiative.  PAsmart will address local and regional needs connected to state-level priorities through a simple, onestop state funding source that invests in state, regional, and community partnerships and group models, with additional funds set aside for smaller-scale efforts. Funding can be used for a variety of locally prioritized efforts, including professional development and training, creating new programs, scaling or enhancing existing efforts, and improving coordination between education and workforce systems.