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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony Payton, Jr.
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Payton supporting ITWorks job-training program for disadvantaged students
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14 – State Rep. Tony Payton Jr., D- Phila., is supporting a 16-week job-training program, ITWorks, to help disadvantaged young adults acquire internships and employment within Philadelphia's nonprofit, business and public sectors.
ITWorks prepares students for technical jobs by teaching them PC configuration and networking skills, troubleshooting, customer service and communication skills, as well as professional work habits. Payton will attend the graduation of the first class of ITWorks at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 at Drexel University’s Mitchell Auditorium, Philadelphia.
"This program helps young adults who might otherwise be unable to obtain the training necessary to land decent-paying job," Payton said. "One of my primary objectives in the state legislature has been to make education more accessible to all students, regardless of income. ITWorks is a conduit between the local business community and disadvantaged young people right here in our community who are willing to work to a make a better life for themselves."
Payton added that the most sought-after jobs in the work force are those in the technology and engineering fields -- jobs that require a solid background in math and science.
He has introduced numerous proposals in the legislature to help students become
more competitive in high-paying technical fields, including a recent proposal (H.B. 1863) that would allow professionals
in high-demand science, technology, engineering and math occupations to bring
their real-world knowledge and experience into Pennsylvania's classrooms.
"The United States notoriously underperforms in math and science compared to other nations," Payton said. "In order for students to compete in the global economy, it's become apparent that we need alternative solutions to improve these skills in the classroom. Bringing seasoned professionals into the classroom could offer students a different perspective that helps them fully understand the subject matter before them."
The legislation would allow Pennsylvania's secretary
of Education to issue a three-year residency teaching certificate to certain
professionals in subject areas where the secretary determines there is a
statewide or regional shortage of teachers.
More information about ITWorks is available at npowerpa.org/about/itworks.
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