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Penn College Tour Highlights Workforce, Industry Training

Pennsylvania College of Technology continues to play a vital role in preparing students for high-demand careers through innovative education and workforce training. The College recently welcomed Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, chair of the Senate Education Committee, for a tour of the campus.

We visited several of the advanced learning facilities including the Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence, Gene Haas Center for Innovative Manufacturing, health sciences programs, welding and metal fabrication labs, and the Schneebeli Earth Science Center to showcase how Penn College is meeting the workforce needs of employers across Pennsylvania.

WASD ‘Odyssey of the Mind’ Teams Earn Top Finishes at State Championship

Three Williamsport Area School District Odyssey of the Mind teams earned top finishes at the state championships earlier this year:

• Curtin Intermediate School: 1st Place, Division I – The Epic Quest; 11th place at the world competition.
• Williamsport Area High School: 2nd Place, Division III – The Epic Quest; 9th place at the world competition.
• Williamsport Area Middle School: 3rd Place, Division II – Taller Tales of John Jivery.

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition that gives kids the confidence to think for themselves and to create solutions to any challenge. 

These students demonstrated incredible creativity, teamwork and determination, and I was proud to recognize their accomplishments and the coaches who helped guide them along the way. Congratulations!

Pennsylvania’s Role in National Defense Takes Center Stage in Carlisle

For 250 years, Pennsylvania has played a vital role in strengthening America’s defense, and our state is well-positioned to lead the next generation of defense innovation.

I recently attended Sen. Dave McCormick’s 2026 Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit in Carlisle, which brought together military and industry leaders, innovators and workforce experts to discuss emerging technologies and opportunities to strengthen our defense industrial base.

From advanced manufacturing and critical minerals to robotics, artificial intelligence and space, Pennsylvania has the workforce, infrastructure and expertise to help build the future of American defense.

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Celebrates “Pennsylvania Day”

In honor of “Pennsylvania Day,” volunteers, including Janenne Goliash of my Williamsport office, came together at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Williamsport to pack an impressive 1,280 boxes of meals for neighbors across the region.

The work of the Central Pennsylvania Food bank is critically important to families across Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties. To learn more about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, volunteer opportunities and ways to give back, visit their website.

Upcoming Fairs and Festivals

The 101^st Union County West End Fair begins August 2^nd at Lincoln Park and runs through August 8^th. More information on admission, parking and schedule of events can be found on the fair’s website.  

The annual United Way Kids’ Carnival returns to Pine Square in downtown Williamsport for Kids First Friday on August 7 from 5-7:00 p.m. Families can enjoy games, activities and support local children’s programs.

The Tioga County Fair will begin on August 10^th and run through August 15^th at the Tioga County Fairgrounds. More information on admission, parking and schedule of events can be found on the fair’s website.

REMINDER: ATV and Snowmobile Registration Renewal

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) was notified last week that PennDOT did not send renewal reminder notices for ATV and snowmobile registrations set to expire in June.

If your registration expired in June 2026, you should proceed with renewing it now through DCNR’s Snowmobile/ATV Owner Portal.

Due to the missed notifications, registrations that expired in June 2026 will be considered valid through August 31, 2026. To renew, you will need your vehicle’s VIN, model year and title or registration number.

Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services

Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers.

The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request.

With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings.

If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you.

Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking

We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward.

And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program.

If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

Investing in the Future of PA College Students

The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth.

Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges.

With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million.

Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here.

Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument

A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille.

The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here.

Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA

There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth.

Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences.

From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website.