The Berwick Area School District (BASD) has been awarded a competitive PAsmart Grant to launch a transformative K–12 STEM-to-Workforce Pipeline initiative, connecting students to high-demand careers through early exposure, hands-on learning, and strategic community partnerships.
Building a Workforce-Aligned Future
This ambitious plan was developed in collaboration with regional and national partners committed to expanding STEM and career-readiness opportunities:
● DegenSTEAM Academy
● NE Florida Regional STEM2Hub
● The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
● The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber
● Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
● Columbia Montour Area Vocational Technical School
● Luzerne County Community College
Together, these partners will provide programming, mentorship, curriculum guidance, and workforce insight to ensure students graduate with the technical and employability skills needed in today’s economy.
Aligned With Governor’s Priorities and PAsmart Principles
BASD’s initiative directly supports a focus on career pathways, equitable access, and workforce readiness, as well as the core principles of the PAsmart initiative: promoting innovation, expanding career learning, and strengthening school-industry connections.
Strategic Goals with Measurable Impact
Key goals of the initiative include:
● Portrait of a Graduate: Establish a K–12 vision for career readiness, emphasizing skills like collaboration, communication, and adaptability.
● STEM Partnership Pilot Site: Serve as a model site for collaborative programming with CSIU and DegenSTEAM, including STEAM Camps and Teacher in the Workplace.
● K–8 STEM Gap Analysis: Identify and close curriculum gaps in STEM and employability skill instruction.
● CTE & STEM Pathway Pipeline: Expand and align pre-pathway experiences and student enrollment in high school and post-secondary STEM/CTE programs.
● STEM Curriculum Map: Develop and annually update a K–8 curriculum map aligned with the Advance CTE Career Ready Practices.
● 3-Dimensional Teaching Strategies: Increase use of engaging, real-world, inquiry-based learning methods.
● STEM-Focused Professional Development: Offer quarterly PD focused on STEM integration and instructional innovation.
● STEM and Career Awareness Materials: Share outreach materials to increase understanding and support for STEM education.
● Computer Science and Technical Skills: Grow participation in CS and technical skill programs to drive long-term workforce outcomes.
“This collaborative effort is more than just a grant project—it’s a reimagining of what education can be when we work hand-in-hand with community partners,” said Dr. Elizabeth Shotwell, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Berwick Area School District.“By aligning our classrooms with the region’s economic landscape, we are giving students real opportunities to succeed while supporting our local industries. This is a community investment in our future workforce.”
Paul Caputo, Acting Superintendent, shares, “I would like to thank Dr. Shotwell for her leadership in pursuing and securing this important funding to advance opportunities for Berwick Area students. Through this initiative and strategic partnerships with organizations such as the CSIU and the DegenSTEAM Academy, the Berwick Area School District will create model programs and address curriculum gaps to ensure every student can envision a future in STEM and CTE fields—while building clear, connected pathways that support each learner’s K–12 journey into college, technical training, or high-demand careers."
Marc Nespoli, Academic Affairs Chair, added, “We are thrilled to secure this funding, which allows us to deepen our commitment to preparing students for the modern workforce. Our goal is to ensure every student, no matter their path, graduates with both the confidence and the practical skills to thrive in an evolving economy. This initiative strengthens the connection between academic achievement and career success.”
“When we reflect on times of prosperity in our region, they’ve always been rooted in collaboration. This project is a return to that approach—addressing a web of challenges with a web of solutions by uniting innovative partners across sectors. It offers a replicable model for communities throughout the valley, one that fosters sustainable economic growth and strengthens the fabric of our region.” -Kendy Alvarez, Steering Committee Member, DegenSTEAM Academy
For more information about the Berwick STEM-to-Workforce initiative, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Shotwell, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, at eshotwell@berwicksd.org.