Grant Directory

I am pleased to be providing an updated resource that will help in finding grants and other resources in government. From the Department of Aging to the state Treasury to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority, the Pennsylvania Grant Directory is a great starting point for constituents and organizations seeking financial support for their work and ideas.

Some state grant programs have limited eligibility in which only municipalities, school districts and nonprofit organizations can apply. And, it is important to note that some grant, loan and assistance programs change each fiscal year. It is best to check websites or contact the appropriate agency to learn about the current status of any program.

To view the Pennsylvania Grant Directory, please click here or visit my website at www.senatorfontana.com.

Internships for Students

One of the most meaningful and rewarding ways to learn about jobs in state government is through an internship in one of Pennsylvania�s government agencies. A myriad of opportunities exist for students and others to gain insight and understand how state government works for Pennsylvania.

To that end, we have compiled a list of opportunities, background and contact information. This material will help those who are interested in applying for any available internships.

We have done our best to insure the accuracy of the information concerning potential internship opportunities. However, keep in mind that agencies handle the processing of applications through their own personnel offices and their procedures may differ. Therefore, some agencies who indicated that internships may be available are unable to actually offer positions. In addition, in large multi-office agencies one location may be unaware of opportunities in other offices.

Another important point to remember is that there are application deadlines so it is important to review the information as soon as possible. Also, please understand that there is no guarantee that any applicant will be approved for an internship.

Each agency will make a decision on hiring an intern(s) based on their own selection criteria. Please utilize the contact number provided for each agency to learn more about the internship selection process and the status of an application.

Anyone interested in learning more about internships throughout Pennsylvania�s government agencies can click here or visit my website, www.senatorfontana.com. I hope this information will be helpful to any students looking for the right internship opportunity.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for the 2017 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.  If you filed a paper rebate last year, you should have received an application in the mail.  Applications are also available at my district offices, online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling 1-888-222-9190.  As always, my staff would be happy to assist you in preparing your application.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.  The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters.  Please keep in mind, half of Social Security income is excluded.

Applications are due to the Department of Revenue by June 30 and rebates will be distributed beginning July 1. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.

Bus Rapid Transit

Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, Port Authority of Allegheny County, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh have proposed a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that connects Downtown Pittsburgh with Uptown, Oakland, and several other communities.

The Port Authority has started holding public meetings to present information on the proposed BRT and gather feedback from the community.  If you�re interested in learning more about BRT and/or attending any of the public meetings, you can click here or visit www.portauthority.org.

Summer Youth Employment Program

The application period is open for the Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program.

Learn & Earn is a six-week summer job program in high-demand sectors for teens and young adults ages 14-21 in the Pittsburgh region. Participants can earn money, gain valuable work experience, and develop soft skills to help them become college and career ready. 

Young people who are selected will work from June 25 � August 3 with orientation beginning the week of June 18.  The application is open to Allegheny County residents who will be at least 14 years of age, and no older than 21 years of age, as of June 18, and who meet program income requirements.

Learn & Earn is made possible through a partnership between Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and Partner4Work, with support from local foundations.  Applications will be accepted through May 4.  For an application and to learn more about the program, please visit www.jobs4summer.org.

Castle Shannon Stream Cleanup

The Saw Mill Run Watershed Association is hosting an Earth Day stream cleanup in Castle Shannon.  The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. � 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will be meeting at the James Street parking lot, just off Willow Street behind Someone Else�s. Registration is not necessary.

Participants will be pulling all non-natural debris from the stream and the stream banks.  The Saw Mill Run Watershed Association will provide gloves, safety vests, and trash bags.  The event will be rain or shine.  For more information please contact Lisa Brown at [email protected].

Walk for One Promise

The Pittsburgh Promise promotes high educational aspirations among urban youth, funds scholarships for post-secondary access, and fuels a prepared and diverse regional workforce. The Pittsburgh Promise depends on the generosity of our community to ensure educational opportunities for Pittsburgh's kids.

On Saturday, April 21, 2018, you can help them provide scholarships to deserving Pittsburgh students by joining their 5K Walk for One Promise to raise awareness and essential scholarship funds.  Visit www.pittsburghpromise.org/walk for more information and to sign up!

Fontana Fact

One of our nation�s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, died on this day in 1790 at the age of 84. Most people don�t know that Franklin was primarily self-taught, only having had two years of formal education.  Franklin spent just two years attending Boston Latin School and a private academy before joining the family candle and soap making business.

Brookline District 932 Brookline Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15226 Phone: 412-344-2551 Weekdays � 9 am � 5 pm	Harrisburg 543 Main Capitol | Box 203042 Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: 717-787-5300 Fax: 717-772-5484 Weekdays � 8:30 am � 5 pm	Kennedy Township Kenmawr Plaza 524 Pine Hollow Road Kennedy Twp, PA 15136 Phone: 412-331-1208 Weekdays � 10 am � 4 pm
Beechview Satellite 1660 Broadway Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15216 By Appointment Northside (Mobile Office) Carnegie Library | Allegheny Branch 1230 Federal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 By Appointment