NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
28 February 2003

HARRISBURG POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT FROM CONG. TIM HOLDEN

Harrisburg, PA—Harrisburg’s Polytechnic Institute (HPI) received another major boost today as Congressman Tim Holden and Mayor Stephen R. Reed announced the award of a $262,000 federal grant to the planned city-based university. The grant monies will be used for operating expenses and information technology infrastructure development.

Allocated from the U.S. Departments of Labor/Health and Human Services Appropriation Bill, Mayor Reed said the federal grant was sought by Congressman Holden on behalf of the Institute. The monies will be used to offset a year’s costs for staff involved in curriculum planning for the university, and for the purchase and integration of computers, software and related equipment.

“Our special appreciation is extended to Congressman Tim Holden,” said Mayor Reed, “who has quickly become a prime supporter and advocate of the city’s new university. His good efforts will enable us to further develop HPI’s curriculum as well as obtain some sorely needed computer and other information technology hardware and software.”

“The Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute is a significant and visionary initiative that really represents an investment in the future of our young people and our economy,” said Congressman Holden. “In addition to providing the advanced education and training that our young people need to be successful in the new information age, it also represents a valuable tool in preventing the so called ‘brain drain’ that is plaguing Pennsylvania. Plus, our advanced technology businesses will benefit from the accessibility of a well-trained workforce coming out of the HPI.”

Reed and Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute Acting President Dr. Melvyn Schiavelli said the grant will provide nearly $100,000 this year for the hiring of a Senior Curriculum Planning Officer and related consulting faculty, with the balance of the grant monies earmarked for the purchase of computer and IT hardware. Some of the funds will also be used for the development of the Institute’s future library.

“What our project needs now is financial assistance to undertake the detailed planning of a seamless high school/university curriculum, along with the equipment needed to support such a technology-rich curriculum,” said HPI Acting President Dr. Melvyn Schiavelli.

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