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In this Update:
REMINDER: Grow PA Scholarship Grants Available NowPennsylvanians can still apply for Grow PA Scholarship Grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. The application period for grants opened two weeks ago, and the program has already generated more than 4,000 applications statewide. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation. Grant recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more or apply here. Bill to Increase Firefighters in PA Receives Senate SupportPennsylvania relies on volunteer firefighters, but their numbers are dropping – from 300,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 38,000 today. To help ensure there are enough firefighters to respond to a crisis, the Senate passed a bill that would reform the process for people earning their firefighter certification. Senate Bill 90 would maintain the high standards to become a firefighter while making it less intimidating for men and women who are interested in serving their communities as volunteer firefighters. Currently, firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. The bill would allow them to be tested following each of the four modules. Senate Bill 90 heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Prevent Surprises on the Road with PennDOT’s Construction PlansAs the weather improves, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is spending more time maintaining the state’s approximately 40,000 roadway miles and 25,400 bridges. You can be aware of and plan for delays you experience driving by checking the status of construction projects in your area. Information about projects underway, beginning and being bid this year is listed here. Road work projects are chosen through an extended planning process in four-year and 12-year increments. Learn more about the State Transportation Improvement Plan and the Twelve Year Program. Beware of Counterfeit Weight Loss and Diabetes DrugsIf you purchase GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which are typically used for weight loss and diabetes, anywhere other than a licensed pharmacy, you could be buying counterfeit products. As supplies have not kept pace with overwhelming consumer demand, a counterfeit market has emerged for these drugs. Using counterfeit products is dangerous. Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging consumers to report suspicious products by calling the Drugs Tip Line at 800-442-8006. Read more. Enjoy a Great American Getaway in PATourism is an important part of Pennsylvania’s economy. In 2022, the most recent year with available data, we welcomed more than 192 million travelers and benefited from $45 billion in visitor spending. The commonwealth has a lot to offer, even to people who call it home. Find some great ideas for vacations and day trips here. PA Offers Free Motorcycle TrainingMay is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program.
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