About Our Mission
Invest in Education. Invest in Berks County.
By supporting students financially and enhancing classrooms through collaboration with local employers, educators, and policymakers, we help prepare the next generation of skilled workers right here in Berks County—especially those who may not otherwise have the means to access these opportunities.
The result? A stronger curriculum, a stronger workforce—and a stronger Berks County.
Message from the President
“The BCTC Education Foundation believes that all students should have access to BCTC education, including all of the required tools and resources, to prepare them for their chosen careers. Furthermore, we support BCTC Instructors and Staff in their efforts to continually improve program curriculum and acquire the latest technology resources. Our efforts will remove barriers, create new opportunities, and further support the workforce development efforts in Berks County and beyond.”
— Robert Heckman, President of the BCTC Education Foundation
Mission and Vision
Our Mission:
Our goal is to support the educational environment by enhancing current educational opportunities in career and technology education, by providing equipment or individual students’ financial support within the learning process, with the vision of supporting self-sustaining, life-long learners and community-minded citizens.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to promote an educational bedrock that empowers students to reach their optimal goals and contribute to society’s betterment.
What We Do
Since our board was established in 2023, the BCTC Education Foundation has focused on helping students access education that leads to opportunity.
Our support has included:
Scholarships & Grants
Assistance to ease the financial pressure on students and families.
Updated Tools, Materials & Resources
Assets that help students learn in hands-on, relevant ways.
Partnerships with Local Businesses
Opportunities that connect students to real-world experience and in-demand careers.
Officers
Robert Heckman
President
Dean Sheaffer
Vice President, Finance Chair
Clare Kilpatrick-Benz
Secretary, Governance Chair
Ken Remick
Treasurer
Board of Trustees
Our Board is comprised of dedicated professionals and community advocates passionate about helping students gain the skills, support, and confidence they need for their education.
Julia Adams
Trustee
Lew Davis
Trustee
Linda Hammond
Trustee
Penny Hummel
Trustee
Gavin Milligan
Trustee
James Stone
Trustee