Erie Together: Rooted in Collaboration and Focused on Results!

At Erie Together, we believe every student deserves a clear path to a bright future. Through strategic partnerships, focused initiatives, and hands-on learning experiences, we’re opening doors to personal discovery, civic engagement, and careers. Here are some highlights of our recent impact!

Skilled Trades Initiative

With support from the U.S. Department of Labor, we just wrapped up a comprehensive Skilled Trades Initiative for middle and high school students that is reshaping how students and educators understand high-demand career paths. We engaged 400+ students in hands-on activities and conversations with 11 skilled construction trades unions, including:

  • Two employer panels featuring eight unions sharing real-world insights.

  • Six training center tours, with 87% of students reporting increased awareness of employment opportunities.

  • Our first ever Skilled Trades Fair for Middle Schoolers, hosted by Career Street, in March 2025, where 119 students from seven schools engaged with seven skilled trades unions, and students from Erie County Technical School studying the skilled trades, and

    • 100% of students increased their knowledge of skilled trades careers

    • 99% increased their awareness of job opportunities

    • 95% gained clarity on their interest in skilled trades

    • 96% said the experience was helpful in considering future careers

We also developed some great informational resources including:

  • Skilled Trades Directory

  • 11 skilled construction trades and five manufacturing career videos

  • Several local TV commercials

Finally, we conducted a Skilled Trades Day for Educators, with 100% of attendees indicating their participation would improve their professional practices.

Arts & Communication Career Exploration

In collaboration with local employers and with grant support from Erie County government, we empowered students to explore creative and communication-focused careers, through:

  • Eight worksite tours

  • Three job shadows

  • One classroom speaker

105 students benefitted, and the data showed:

  • 98% increased their knowledge of arts and communication careers

  • 91% gained awareness of local job opportunities

  • 95% said their participation helped them decide whether to pursue a related career

  • 93% said the experience was helpful as they consider their future

2024 Youth Civic Engagement Symposium

On September 17, 2024, we partnered with Gannon University to bring students face-to-face with government leaders in a day-long event focused on building civic knowledge and confidence. One hundred thirty-three students from nine schools, accompanied by 13 chaperones, heard from 17 government leaders from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of federal, state, county, and local government, and:

  • 86% of students increased their understanding of the U.S. Constitution

  • 100% gained knowledge of how to become civically engaged

  • 97% increased their understanding of how government works at all levels.

Looking Ahead

Thanks to the dedication of our partners and supporters, Erie County students are learning about meaningful careers and imagining brighter futures. We are proud to be working with so many to help make the Erie region a community of opportunity where everyone can learn, work, and thrive!

Mary Bula