Posted November 8, 2022

The Friends of Father Judge High School, Inc. (The Friends) was awarded a $1 million grant this week raising its Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding to a grand total of $4 million.

The grant was awarded to assist in the construction of the Career Pathways Academy (CPA) building.

Currently in the second phase of construction, the CPA building will be a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility dedicated to Career & Technical Education (CTE) which will be home to the Faulkner Automotive Training Center.

The CTE program at Father Judge provides students with the training and certifications required to fill high priority occupations (HPOs) across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Welding Program was established in 2019 and the first graduating cohort of students in the Class of 2022 received job offers (ranging from $41,000 to $66,000 per year) from several large local employers such as DC Fabricators, Holtec, L3 Harris, PTR Baler, SeaBox and SEPTA.

More than 60 students are enrolled in the Welding Program for the 2022-23 school year. Upon completion of the CPA building, Automotive Technician training will be added as a second CTE offering to students.

“This project doesn’t get done without Senator Tartaglione. From the very beginning, she passionately supported the expansion of opportunities for our students and the community.” said FJHS President Brian Patrick King ’97  when asked about the recent grant award.

In addition to support from Sen. Tartaglione, City Councilman Mike Driscoll, Mayor Jim Kenney and newly elected Sen. Jimmy Dillion supported The Friends’ application.

When asked about her support for the CPA building and expansion of CTE offerings, Senator Tartaglione said, “As a Pennsylvania Senator and Chairwomen of the Senate’s Labor and Industry Committee, I have seen the desperate need for quality career readiness training.” She added, “The Career Pathways Academy is a shining example for the Commonwealth to see how we can best prepare the next generation to step into the jobs of the future.”

Established in May 2002, The Friends is a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation with Officers and Directors who fundraise on behalf of Father Judge High School.  All funds raised by this organization are managed and securely designated for use at the school.  Since its formation, The Friends have raised and invested over $16 million to make improvements to the school campus, provide financial aid, and fund academic programs that complement the traditional curriculum.

RCAP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.

Father Judge High School was founded in 1954.  The all-boys school is dedicated to educating its students’ minds and souls in the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales. For more information visit www.fatherjudge.com/.