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  • 🔬 WCU $10 Million Grant For STEM | 🥃 Whisky Tasting to Benefit Library | 👨‍🚒 150 in Fire Safety Program | 🐄 CEO Reelected to Ag Board

🔬 WCU $10 Million Grant For STEM | 🥃 Whisky Tasting to Benefit Library | 👨‍🚒 150 in Fire Safety Program | 🐄 CEO Reelected to Ag Board

Downingtown Local Pulse Jan 16th, 2025

Author

Chesco Sean
16 Jan

In partnership with

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

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WCU Lands Record $10.26 Million Grant For STEM Education

Dr. Brandon Mitchell, professor of physics and engineering leads WCU’s Center for STEM Inclusion

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University's Center for STEM Inclusion has been awarded the largest grant in the institution's history—$10.26 million from the U.S. Department of Education's GEAR UP program—to transform educational outcomes for nearly 2,000 middle school students.

The seven-year initiative will support 1,833 sixth- and seventh-grade students from the Coatesville, Chester, and William Penn School Districts, following them from middle school through their first year of college. Led by Dr. Brandon Mitchell, a physics and engineering professor who directs the Center for STEM Inclusion, the program aims to create lasting change in college access and completion rates through sustained intervention and comprehensive support.

The initiative focuses on four primary goals: strengthening academic achievement from middle school through college enrollment, boosting high school and postsecondary graduation rates, expanding student and family knowledge about college options and financial aid, and building essential skills needed for college success.

15th Annual Whisky Tasting to Benefit Downingtown Library's 150th Year

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Library is marking its 150th anniversary in 2026 with its annual whisky tasting fundraiser, a community tradition now in its 15th year. The event will take place February 7 at the Northbrook Marketplace in West Chester, with a snow date of February 21.

The evening program begins at 6 p.m. and includes tastings of six single-malt whiskies paired with complementary bites, followed by dinner with a choice of filet mignon, crab cakes, or vegetarian options. Gluten-free filet dinners are available upon request. Attendees will receive their own Glencairn glass and can participate in a silent auction and raffle throughout the evening. Sponsor opportunities and ticket information available online.

Caln Township Trains 150 Employees in Annual Fire Safety Program

CALN TWP — The Caln Township Fire Marshal's Office conducted annual fire safety training for 150 employees at Handi-Crafters, Inc. The session covered fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and hands-on safety exercises, reflecting the township's commitment to workplace preparedness and community safety.

Chester County Economic Development CEO Reelected to National Agricultural Board

Gary Smith, CEO CCEDC

EXTON, PA — Gary Smith, CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, has been reelected to a third term on the National Council of State Agricultural Financing Programs board. Smith, who operates a cattle breeding operation and has two decades of experience with the council, represents Pennsylvania on the seven-member board that shapes federal agricultural policy and financing access.

New Year, New You!

This family-run Downingtown facility offers small group fitness, student athlete training, and specialized adaptive programs for individuals with physical challenges. Beyond workouts, Stand Strong provides nutrition coaching, life coaching, and InBody testing. Their supportive "FitFam" community emphasizes accountability, varied daily programming, and making fitness accessible for all life stages. Schedule your free workout at their website: standstrongtc.com


Upcoming local events…

Chesco Networking Happy Hour (Exton) - Jan 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Jan 24, 10am-12pm

The Gardens at Applecross - Open House (Downingtown) - Jan 24, 12pm-2pm

West Chester Professionals Social Networking (West Chester) - Jan 28, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Monthly VRA Realty Investors Meetup (West Chester) - Feb 11, 6:45pm-8:30pm

WCU Live! presents the Sharpe Family Singers $ (West Chester) - Feb 13, 7pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Feb 14, 10am-12pm

House Cleaning

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