Reps. Bizzarro, Harkins and Merski announce $74,000+ grant to LECOM

ERIE, Sept. 10 – Erie state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski and Pat Harkins today announced $74,376 was allocated to Lake Erie College of Medicine to improve educational services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant, awarded through the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds, aims to help schools and other educational agencies implement public health and safety plans to resume safe operations this fall.

“Students deserve access to a quality educational experience and through these unprecedented times, this funding will help LECOM continue to provide that. This pandemic has caused many life disruptions, but it’s also shown us a resiliency and determination to come out stronger, smarter and more considerate. These resources will help LECOM prepare a whole new workforce that will be equipped for the challenges of tomorrow,” Bizzarro said.

Merski said, “As a former teacher, I know that the safety of our students and staff is paramount as we educate during the pandemic. This grant will help LECOM and our local education providers develop the best plans to resume teaching while at the same time ensuring that students enjoy the safest possible learning environment.”

Harkins said, “LECOM’s dedicated educators and administrators are committed to providing exceptional training for young adults, but the pandemic has made that more complicated. Securing this funding will ensure that the college has access to the resources it needs to keep students and staff safe while continuing to provide top-notch education.”

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of GEER Funds.

More information about the grant is available here.