Malagari applauds $743,866 in grants to grow healthcare workforce
Rep. Steve Malagari April 18, 2025 | 2:01 PM
LANSDALE, April 18 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, announced today that Propel America, a nonprofit that trains medical assistants and pharmacy technicians, will establish two apprenticeship programs to address workforce shortages in these areas thanks to funding from the state.
Propel America’s initiative is funded by a $343,866.25 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. It will train 15 apprentices, 85% from underrepresented backgrounds, and serve Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The grant is part of a $1.9 million investment by the department in five Pennsylvania organizations to develop and expand registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in the healthcare sector.
Propel America recruits recent high school graduates interested in the healthcare field and provides tuition-free training while they’re enrolled in college courses.
“This investment will not only strengthen the healthcare workforce that serves our community but also give opportunities to high school graduates who need to work while advancing their education,” Malagari said. “Medical assistants and pharmacy technicians are an essential part of a strong healthcare system, and a strong healthcare system is necessary for a community to thrive. I’m proud to see these funds make their way to Montgomery County and our neighbors.”
Bucks County Community College on April 17 also announced plans to create a registered pre-apprenticeship program offering certifications for EKG technicians, phlebotomy technicians, CPR, mental health first aid for fire and EMS, and child abuse recognition and reporting. Serving Bucks, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, the new program will be a $400,000 investment in partnership with Drexel University, District 1199C, the Bucks County Workforce and Economic Development Board, regional hospitals and local medical practices.
“This funding provides us the building blocks for the solid healthcare foundation our residents deserve,” Malagari said. “We’re setting our region up for a healthy and successful future.”