Westmoreland County, PA — The Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland (EGC) has been awarded a $100,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Planning Grant to support a larger regional initiative focused on strengthening workforce development, economic opportunity, and long-term community resilience in Westmoreland County and the surrounding region.
The ARC funding represents approximately 48% of the project’s total $210,000 cost, with the remaining funds secured through matching investments and partner contributions. The grant will support strategic planning efforts designed to align education, workforce, industry, and community stakeholders around future-focused economic development priorities.
The POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative is a federally funded ARC program that supports communities and regions affected by economic transitions, with an emphasis on creating new opportunities through workforce development, entrepreneurship, broadband expansion, and economic diversification.
“This investment is an important step forward for our region,” said Jim Smith, President and CEO of EGC. “Westmoreland County continues to face workforce challenges and demographic shifts that require strong collaboration between education, industry, and community partners. This planning process will help position our region to better respond to employer needs, strengthen career pathways for residents, and create sustainable economic opportunities for the future.”
Over the past several years, EGC has worked closely with school districts, postsecondary institutions, employers, workforce development organizations, and elected officials to create stronger connections between education and employment opportunities across the region. Initial monies for these projects were made available through partnering school districts, as well as ARPA funding through the Westmoreland County Commissioners. This planning grant will build upon those efforts by identifying priority industries, workforce gaps, regional assets, and strategies to support talent attraction, retention, and economic competitiveness.
The initiative will also help establish a roadmap for future implementation projects and additional investment opportunities aimed at supporting both current and emerging industries throughout the region.
“The success of this award reflects the strength of regional collaboration,” said Anthony Princeton, Director of the Forum for Workforce Development “We are grateful to ARC and all of our partners who helped support this effort and provide matching resources to make this project possible.”
The Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland serves as the county’s economic development organization and works to advance business growth, workforce development, site development, and regional collaboration throughout Westmoreland County.
For more information about the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland, please visit Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland.
Media Contact:
Anthony Princeton
Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland Forum for Workforce Development
724-771-3533