ETC at Pitt-Titusville received a Bridge Builders grant for the 3rd consecutive year

The Education and Training Center (ETC) at Pitt-Titusville has been awarded funding from the Bridge Builders Community Foundation for the third consecutive year. The $12,560 award will support tuition assistance for Venango County residents enrolled in Pitt-Swanson’s School of Engineering Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) training programs, providing scholarships for students pursuing basic machining and CNC machining training.

The continued support from Bridge Builders directly strengthens the region’s workforce pipeline by reducing financial barriers for students seeking high‑quality, family‑sustaining employment in manufacturing, one of the largest employment sectors in northwestern Pennsylvania. In 2025 alone, 48 individuals enrolled in MAC programs, with six Venango County students receiving scholarship support from the William and Elizabeth Charitable Fund through Bridge Builders.

“We are deeply grateful for Bridge Builders Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to our students and our region,” said Stephanie Fiely, executive director of the ETC at Pitt‑Titusville. “For three years, their support has helped Venango County residents gain the skills needed to enter or advance in manufacturing careers. This investment changes lives and strengthens local companies that rely on a skilled workforce.”

The MAC, originally established in 1994 at Pitt-Swanson’s School of Engineering and relocated to Pitt‑Titusville in 2021, provides hands‑on machining and CNC training in partnership with local employers. In April 2025, the University opened the Peter C. Rossin Manufacturing Center, a state‑of‑the‑art instructional space within the newly renovated J. Curtis McKinney II Student Union. The facility’s visibility and modern equipment have expanded community awareness of manufacturing careers and enhanced student learning.

“The continued growth of the MAC program reflects the strong interest among both adult learners and high school students in pursuing careers in manufacturing,” said Melanie LaLone, workforce readiness and recruitment coordinator. “Over the past year, we have significantly expanded our outreach efforts, resulting in increased enrollment and deeper engagement with schools, community partners and employers. The support provided by the Bridge Builders Community Foundation plays a critical role in reducing financial barriers for Venango County residents and enables more individuals to access high‑quality training. It is a privilege to help connect motivated students with opportunities that lead to stable, well‑paying careers and to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce for our region.”

Over the past two years, partnerships with local schools and home‑schooled students have resulted in high completion rates for the Basic Machining course, with many students continuing into CNC training. Employers serving on the MAC Occupational Advisory Board consistently report the need for skilled machinists and value the MAC’s role in preparing job‑ready candidates.

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski