Latest news with #ErieCountyTechnicalSchool
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$400,000 grant will help fund solar field planned at Erie County Technical School
The Erie County Technical School has been awarded a $400,000 state grant to help fund a solar array on school grounds. The Solar for Schools grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development is among 73 awarded statewide. The almost $23 million in grants will help schools reduce electricity costs, Pennsylvania Education Secretary Rick Siger said in a statement. "Energy is one of the top expenses for schools, which is why investments in solar energy can help to maintain long-term financial stability and improve the quality of education they offer students," Siger said. "Those savings can then be channeled into more resources for our teachers and students, and also create good-paying, clean-energy jobs and job training opportunities." Penncrest School District in Crawford County was awarded a $336,960 Solar for Schools grant. The school plans to build a .5-megawatt solar farm on five to seven acres behind the school at 8500 Oliver Road in Summit Township. About 1,000 solar panels would be installed to produce enough power to provide about one-third of the school's electrical needs, saving about $75,000 annually, tech school Executive Director Matt LaVerde said. The estimates are based on solar assessments from a number of industry entities, LaVerde said. The school spends about $225,000 annually for electricity for multiple buildings and for multiple labs with a variety of power-drawing equipment. "We estimate we will save between $3 million and $5 million on electricity over 20 years, and that will be a big deal for all of our 11 member school districts," LaVerde said. The solar field also would reduce the complex's carbon footprint and help it achieve energy independence. The school plans to add solar panels annually. "Our plan is to add to the array every single year, even if it's just by a handful of panels to teach students the installation process," LaVerde said. The biggest benefit of the solar project, LaVerde said, would be the "living lab" on school grounds. "It will be a teaching tool for our students," LaVerde said. "That's one of our main motivations for this project. Renewable energy is not going away, and this will provide opportunities for hands-on learning right on our site." And that will benefit industry and communities as well as students, acting state education Secretary Carrie Rowe said. "These projects turn school buildings into living laboratories where students gain real-world experience in clean energy technology," Rowe said in a statement. "Whether it's through hands-on STEM education or technical training in solar installation and maintenance, this initiative prepares students for in-demand careers and helps ensure Pennsylvania's workforce is ready to lead in the 21st Century economy." Total cost of the solar project is estimated at $1.2 million. The Solar for Schools grant and government renewable energy incentives are expected to cover more than $900,000 of that cost. In Girard Township: Erie County's first commercial solar farm "The lift for us locally will be about one-quarter of the cost, and we expect that will be paid off in energy savings in four to five years," LaVerde said. The solar field could be completed next summer. Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@ This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Coming to Erie County Technical School: A solar energy field
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Erie County Technical School hosts sign-on day for graduating seniors
There are multiple paths to success, and the Erie County Technical School hosted its sign-on day for graduating seniors on Wednesday. There are 306 students in the graduating class, and 60 students were recognized. State officials emphasize National Safe Boating Week ahead of Memoral Day All have completed nearly 1,500 hours of training and are going straight into the military or the workforce. Students were celebrated along with local business people who provided them with training, co-ops and ultimately employment. From blight to bright — Erie Land Bank showcases newly rehabilitated home 'Some of them are going to apprenticeship programs and workforce and some of them are going straight into the workforce. And we're celebrating the three years of their time at the career technical institution,' said Matthew Laverde, executive director of the Erie County Technical School. 'It's a pretty good feeling to know I got to come to a school that gives me a lot of opportunity to explore a lot of different career fields, see things I'm interested in and I'm walking out of it with a job and I got to learn things and make some money so it's a good feeling,' said James Farrar, a graduating senior. At the ceremony, Toyota of Erie provided the program with a $25,000 check to be used for tools and equipment and upgrading the school's lab. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Erie Rotary Club unveils new peace pole at Griswold Park
A project that the Rotary Club of Erie has worked on for years was unveiled Wednesday afternoon. The organization dedicated a peace pole at Griswold Park. The monument signifies peace and unity among people of all cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. Erie families plant their own veggies at new community garden Erie's peace pole displays 'May peace prevail on Earth' in nine languages. 'They are around the world. If you go to visit other cities, you'll see them there but we really felt like we needed one here in downtown erie to represent so many different cultures that live here,' said Dr. Karen Stab, president of the Rotary Club of Erie. Swing Into Spring book sale returning to Blasco Library this week Students from the Erie County Technical School designed and installed the monument. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
