Alvernia University and Caterpillar Inc. Collaborate to Strengthen STEM Education and Champion a Workforce-Ready Pipeline
Regional pilot will support educators, expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities, and build sustainable talent pipelines
Alvernia University’s Total Experience Learning® (TExpL®) Institute has received a multi-year, $1.04M grant from Caterpillar Inc. to expand high-quality STEM education and educator development aligned with the workforce needs of today and the future. This two-year initiative will be launched with Berks County school districts in Pennsylvania, and scale to additional regions aligned with the CAT® dealer network and community footprint.
The initiative addresses two critical challenges affecting workforce readiness: declining student proficiency in foundational STEM skills, resulting in a shortage of skill-ready talent for open positions in skilled trades, and the increasing challenges of finding and retaining qualified educators. Through a structured, four-course graduate certificate and ongoing professional support services, Total Experience Learning® equips educators to deliver hands-on, inquiry-based instruction that strengthens problem-solving, innovation, and applied learning.
“Preparing students for future careers starts with supporting educators,” said Alvernia University Chief Innovation Officer and Founder of the Total Experience Learning® Institute Adelle Schade, Ph.D. “This collaboration helps teachers deliver relevant, real-world learning while working with industry experts to support the complexities of business and industry talent needs.”
Prior implementations of Total Experience Learning® demonstrate strong outcomes in educator engagement and instructional effectiveness. Ninety-seven percent of participating educators reported they would repeat the training, and districts report improvements in instructional quality and educator retention, key factors in long-term student success.
Caterpillar will support alignment between classroom learning and workforce priorities, helping students understand career pathways in STEM, advanced manufacturing, and technology-related fields. The program is designed with a phased funding model that builds district ownership, collaboration, and sustainability beyond the initial grant period.
“This collaboration reflects Caterpillar’s commitment to supporting the people and communities where our company lives and operates,” said Asha Varghese, head of corporate social responsibility at Caterpillar. “By strengthening educator capacity and student engagement in STEM learning, the program will help students develop the skills they need for long-term economic growth and will deepen our core belief in the Power of Everyone.”
Over the two-year project period, the initiative is expected to directly serve more than 9,200 students and educators and indirectly benefit more than 18,000 family and community members, contributing to improved school stability, workforce readiness, and regional economic vitality.
For more information, please visit www.alvernia.edu/texpl.