Dual Enrollment Education Program Launching In Bucks Co.

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A $150,000 grant will establish a dual enrollment education program through the United Way of Bucks County.

A $150,000 grant will establish a dual enrollment education program through the United Way of Bucks County.

The grant, secured by State Rep. Joe Hogan, establishes a Dual Enrollment to Early Childhood Teaching Pipeline Program.

The program will be called the Future Ready Early Educators.

It is designed to introduce high school students to careers in early childhood education and provide opportunities to begin their professional training while still in school.

Through partnerships with Bucks County Community College, Bucks County Technical High School and other participating technical schools, students will participate in a combination of dual enrollment coursework, college advising, career exploration, job shadowing and workforce readiness experiences.

“Families deserve access to quality early childhood education, and that starts with having qualified educators in the classroom. This training program will give our students the ability to enter the classroom as instructors sooner and with a strong background,” Hogan said.

Marissa Christie, president and CEO of United Way of Bucks County, said the program will allow students in career and technical education high schools to gain an affordable path to college and meaningful careers, early childhood programs gain a stronger workforce, and working families gain greater access to quality childcare.

"Pennsylvania needs more qualified early childhood educators, and our MBIT students are ready to do that work. This pilot gives them a clear path into the field and advanced standing in their studies by providing college credit and real classroom experience while they are still in high school. We are grateful to the Department of Education for this investment and to our Pre-K Counts partners, who helped shape the program from the start,” said Mark Covelle, administrative director, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology.