Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier paid a visit to the River Valley STEAM Academy in Saltsburg this morning to take part in a tour of the building and participate in a roundtable discussion.
Conversation focused on how the River Valley School District allows students to explore career options and build unique skill-sets for the workforce before graduation.
Berrier said in an exclusive interview that the STEAM Academy is “a recipe for success” as it prepares students for different types of careers, especially in the IT sector.
Berrier also addressed rumors that say students can’t make a steady living in a technical or trade field, saying the Academy gives students a “foundational skill-set” for the workforce.
Lastly, she addressed how other communities can get involved in gauging what kinds of technical careers are needed.
Berrier adds that she will share the information learned at the STEAM Academy with her counterparts at the Department of Education and with the Department of Human Services in hopes of continuing the growth of STEAM-related programs.
Among those in attendance was State Representative Jim Struzzi, who said this kind of program is transformative.
Photos from the presentation can be seen below:
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- From left: Mark Hilliard, Dr. Waleed Farag, RVSD Superintendent Phillip Martell, Shawn Steffee, Dr. Michael Reed, Daniel Debone, L&I Secretary Jennifer Berrier, State Representative Jim Struzzi, Senator Joe Pittman, Beth Carr
Below is a video of Secretary Berrier witnessing Dr. Wilson’s sports medicine class utilizing a 3D cadaver unit:
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