Community college gets 2 state grants

SHARON, Pa. -- Mercer County residents who want to take community college courses through Butler County Community College are getting help from the state.
Sen. Robert Robbins of Greenville, R-50th, said the state is providing $374,500 in education assistance.
The money is coming in two forms.
The college is getting a $283,000 "2+2+2 Educational Program" grant to expand services into Mercer County for its associate degree program in manufacturing and its certificate/diploma programs in machine tool technology and manufacturing-related technologies.
The college also is getting a $91,500 "Community College Services Expansion" grant to add additional services in Mercer County in collaboration with the Mercer County Career Center and the Regional Community Education Council.
"These grants demonstrate a coordinated effort to develop and retain manufacturing jobs and other well-paying, skilled work in Mercer County," Robbins said.
"To create jobs in Mercer County, there must be a reliable supply of skilled workers that will attract and retain employers."