Merski, Harkins: Erie schools receive $154,417 in Competitive Equipment Grants
Rep. Robert Merski June 2, 2026 | 3:28 PM
ERIE, June 2 – New funding of $154,417 will help expand hands-on career and technical education opportunities for Erie students, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today.
The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the awards come through the Competitive Equipment Grants program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grants will help local schools purchase industry-aligned equipment that students use as part of approved career and technical education curricula. The Erie City School District will receive $69,417, and the Erie County Technical School will receive $85,000.
“The best classrooms are the ones where students can learn by doing,” Merski said. “Putting modern, employer-grade equipment into our schools gives Erie students the chance to build real skills, earn credentials, and step confidently into good jobs after graduation.”
Harkins said, “When our schools have the tools to train students on the same technology used in the workplace, families see clearer pathways to stable careers and local employers gain a stronger pipeline of qualified workers. This investment will help Erie students prepare for in-demand jobs right here at home.”
The Competitive Equipment Grants provide awards of up to $85,000 to school districts and career and technical centers for equipment purchases that must be integrated into approved CTE programs and aligned with employer needs. Funding can support a wide range of purchases, from healthcare training equipment and dental imaging systems to public safety simulators and trade-specific machinery, all intended to give students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
More information about the Competitive Equipment Grants program and the full list of recipients is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Competitive Equipment Grants page.