Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA Breaks Transportation Barrier for Student Workforce Development
- Nov 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Harrisburg, PA (November 15, 2025) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA (BBBSSCPA) is excited to announce a significant step forward in expanding workforce development opportunities for high school students across Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties.
Thanks to the collaboration with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC and funding from the 2024 Local Share Account Statewide Grant, BBBSSCPA has acquired a specially outfitted van to support the organization’s initiatives.
The van will serve as a mobile gateway of the future for students participating in the organization’s Beyond School Walls Workforce Development program. This customized mentoring program connects high school students with workplace mentors, offering twice-a-month group sessions that foster professional relationships, build career readiness, and inspire long-term success.
“This van removes a major barrier that has limited access for our students in the past,” said Cody Klaus, Director of Workforce Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA. “It lifts the burden from school districts to coordinate buses and drivers, something that has often prevented our mentees from attending vital experiences like the Youth Leadership Summit, college fairs, and Beyond School Walls sessions. With this dedicated vehicle, we can now provide reliable, consistent access to these transformative opportunities,” adds Klaus.
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC played a pivotal role in securing the LSA Grant that made this initiative possible. Their commitment to regional workforce development and youth empowerment aligns seamlessly with BBBSSCPA’s mission.
“We are proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA in expanding access to career exploration and mentorship,” said Melissa Stone, Vice President of Economic Development at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “This van represents more than transportation - it’s a vehicle for opportunity, helping students across our region build the confidence andconnections they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.”
Through Beyond School Walls, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA currently partners with leading regional employers including Capital Blue Cross, Mid Penn Bank, Deloitte, The GIANT Company, Penn National Insurance, and UGI Utilities. These companies host students at their workplaces, providing mentorship and hands-on exposure to professional environments. As students’ progress through the multi-year program, the curriculum evolves to deepen their skills and broaden their career perspectives. Workplace mentors inspire young adults to envision a
future beyond high school and prepare them to become Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed.
BBBSSCPA extends its gratitude to the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Fred Beans Ford, SpeedPro Harrisburg, and its corporate partners for their commitment to youth development and workforce readiness.
For more information about Beyond School Walls or to become a mentor, visit
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA, formerly known as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. For almost 45 years, BBBS of South-Central PA has kept its promise by expertly crafting and maintaining compatible mentoring matches between Littles (youth) and Bigs (mature volunteers) throughout the South-Central PA region. Our commitment includes using evidence-based best practices to achieve personalized outcomes and supporting matches throughout the mentoring relationship (one to ten years). Contributions in all forms are vital to fulfilling the agency’s mission. BBBS of South-Central PA is a 501(c)(3) charity, registered with the PA Bureau of Charities, and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. For more information, visit the BBBS of South-Central PA website at bbbsscpa.org.
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