NSFY State Team Presents Phase Two in Washington D.C.

We are pleased to report that Pennsylvania presented its New Skills For Youth (NSFY) Phase Two presentation at the CCSSO Career Readiness Cross-State Convening in Washington, D.C. on October 25th. This live presentation before a panel of judges was the final piece of our application for $2 million in NSFY Phase Two funds. The presentation team was anchored by PDE Deputy Secretary Matt Stem and Team PA President & CEO Ryan C. Unger.

Also representing PA and participating in the question and answer session with the panel were Beth Olanoff and Julie Kane from PDE; Eileen Cipiriani, Deputy Secretary for Workforce at L&I; Carol Kilko, Deputy Secretary for Administration at DCED; Dr. Kathleen Howley, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic & Student Affairs, PA State System of Higher Education; and Abby Smith from Team PA. Phase Two funding is extremely competitive; only ten states will receive awards from among 25 eligible states. Awards are to be announced in January.

To support Pennsylvania’s Career Readiness Initiative, State Senator and Team PA Board of Director John Blake is leading the process to establish a PA Career Readiness Council. The legislation will be reintroduced in January, and Senator Blake is actively soliciting co-sponsors. The Council, along with Team PA’s support, served as keystones of our application, demonstrating long-term investment in Pennsylvania’s career preparation system and an eye toward sustainability.

Regardless of the outcome of Phase Two, Team PA will continue to support this crucial work going forward.