The development of next generation talent at all levels is our business. We are fortunate to have access to and the support of so many business leaders and community-centric organizations partnering with us to develop relevant and rigorous program opportunities. And best is yet to come.
-Dr. Ron Darbeau, Chancellor
EDUCATION
“Blair County’s K-12 schools are consistently ranked among the top in the Commonwealth. Our growing focus and engagement in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) produce citizen-students well prepared for their next life stage.”
Dr. Brad Hatch, Altoona Area School District
The Talent Pipeline
Attracting, creating and retaining talented people at all levels is our highest priority. Simply put, we want you!!! (and your friends…whoever they are…and your family…whatever that may look like).
Blair County is home to Penn State Altoona and just a short drive away from Penn State University Park. In addition Blair County is home to the St. Francis University at the Curry Innovation Center and the Pennsylvania Community College’s Blair Center. Industry is always at the table to ensure what is being taught is what is actually needed in the real world.
Blair County’s eight School Districts consistently rank in the top 10 percent statewide and are always reinventing themselves. STEAM program development has been and remains a top focus. New school building projects are underway to further ensure the spaces within the walls serve the needs of future generation teaching methods and demands.
But don’t take it from us…ask the students.  See what they think. That is the best referral I think we can get.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
“I am among a growing group of next generation business pioneers. We not only want to succeed in business, but also to give back and build a strong community for future generations to come.”
Kirsten Stratton, KMS Interior Design
Passing the Torch…
A person once said that the older you get, the easier it is to live in the present and the past. The future is for a next generation. And from what we can tell, the future appears to be a pretty cool place.
Many of our mountain main street businesses and owned and operated by those under 40 – First Frontier Pioneers we like to call them. They are just as likely to set up a business in a coffee shop than to join one already in progress. They see challenges are mere forks in the road. For those who find themselves searching for a place like ours, we want that road to lead here to Blair County .
Our Blair County Young Professional community is growing and joining with others to create new opportunities and connections. Whether you are a “Boomerang, Never Left, With Him or Her or a First Arrival,” we say, welcome home, or back or just welcome.
WELCOME BACK
John Russel, InspectionGO
Say Hello. Reacquaint. Get Connected.
Stand out. Join in. Hike. Bike. Dance. Climb. Ski. Paddle. Whatever it is you do or would like to, become part of our Valley and Mountain community. We want you here and we want you to stay. That’s why we assembled the following active links to organizations, events, ride clubs and such just to get the ball rolling. You can take it from here.
If you have any questions about what exists or would like to create something new, contact your Welcome Sherpa Steve McKnight at stevem@abcdcorp.org.
