Bizzarro announces $270K grant to support childcare training program
Funding will address critical gap between high school education and workforce readiness
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro May 14, 2026 | 3:37 PM
ERIE, May 14 – In an effort to better prepare graduating high school students seeking jobs in childcare for the workforce, the state is delivering $270,000 to Erie County to boost apprenticeship program enrollment, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced Thursday.
Early Connections Inc. in Erie County will receive the $270,000 grant through the state’s Foundations in Industry (FIT) program. The money will support a childcare pre-apprenticeship program for 30 high school students per year, providing them with employment connections, preparation to receive necessary credentials, and training supplies.
“Childcare workers shape the earliest years of a child’s development, yet the industry continues to face staffing shortages. Pre-apprenticeship programs can help build a strong pipeline of qualified professionals by giving high school graduates the training and support they need to succeed,” Bizzarro said. “If we want working families and our economy to thrive, we have to start by strengthening the childcare workforce.”
The FIT program, administered by the Dept. of Community and Economic Development, helps schools, training centers, and other organizations across a variety of industries with recruitment and training. A total of $2.8 million was awarded across the state to support apprenticeship programs and increase availability for workforce training opportunities.
Since the start of this legislative session, Bizzarro has helped secure more than $50.7 million in state funding for projects and services across the Erie region.