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Many workers in southwestern Pennsylvania were left with few career prospects when economic and environmental concerns shifted coal mining to other regions. To address that challenge, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network yesterday announced that it has received a $750,000 grant to launch the Robotics Leadership Academy and provide new opportunities in robotics and autonomous systems.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) provided the grant as part of $68.2 million in funding for 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry.

With matching funds from regional contributors, the total funding for the Robotics Leadership Academy amounts to $1.5 million. This funding will support a three-year initiative to equip 220 workers with the skills necessary to drive innovation and commercialization within the region’s robotics cluster.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ARC’s support,” stated Jennifer Apicella, executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN).

“This funding allows us to continue expanding Pittsburgh’s robotics business ecosystem by fostering a more skilled workforce capable of transforming both local and global markets,” she added. “The Robotics Leadership Academy will be instrumental in building the talent pipelines necessary to sustain our region’s competitive edge while accelerating the commercial growth of these companies.”

A similar program is the eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI), which opened a robotics training center in 2020.

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission aids PRN

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a leading robotics ecosystem around Pittsburgh. By connecting businesses, investors, and academia, the PRN said it works to accelerate the commercial growth and impact of robotics in the region and beyond.

Team members from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the region’s federally designated Local Development District (LDD), provided technical assistance and guidance throughout PRN’s grant-writing process.

“Our organization’s mission is to keep the region connected by planning for its future, and one of the ways we do that is by working to secure federal funding for area organizations like PRN,” said Rich Fitzgerald, executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “Co-chair [Gayle] Manchin’s continued support of our region demonstrates the valued partnership that we have with the ARC team.”

“We are committed to fostering economic development through innovative methods, and PRN’s Leadership Academy will do just that by directly working to equip workers with the skills they need to be employed in and around the region’s growing robotics sector,” he said.

Robotics Leadership Academy involves regional partners

The Robotics Leadership Academy will also collaborate with Partner4Work, InnovatePGH, The Robotics Factory, Penn State University, and others to deliver two training tracks tailored for both technical professionals and students, said the Pittsburgh Robotics Network. The program will target diverse groups across the Appalachian region, with an emphasis on creating equitable pathways into high-demand, high-wage positions in the robotics industry.

“The RLA represents a pivotal moment for Pittsburgh’s robotics cluster,” noted Sean Luther, executive director of InnovatePGH. “By aligning education, industry, and community efforts, Pittsburgh is intentionally supporting a new generation of robotics leaders and building a workforce equipped for the future.”

Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work, agreed that workforce development is key to regional growth.

“With the support of ARC, PRN’s efforts will give job seekers in Appalachia the skills needed to participate in the global robotics economy,” he said. “Together, we are shaping a more equitable and prosperous future for our workforce and businesses.”

Curriculum aligns with regional, federal goals

The Robotics Leadership Academy’s curriculum will explore the intersection between leadership and technical skills, bridging the gap between technology development and product commercialization, according to the PRN. It will also focus on creating equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups in the technology workforce.

“This grant enables us to not only grow the robotics workforce, but also ensure that opportunities are accessible to communities in our region,” said Jenny Sharpe, director of workforce development at the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.  “We’re committed to expanding access to education and training, particularly for those historically underrepresented in the tech sector.”

This award is aligned with the goals of the Build Back Better initiative, coordinated by the New Economy Collaborative. It received a $62.7M investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The Robotics Leadership Academy is scheduled to begin in late 2024, with training sessions held quarterly through to 2027. The PRN said it expects the initiative to train 220 workers and serve as a model for workforce development across the U.S.