$1 Million In State Grants Coming To Abington Township

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The township and Penn State Abington will receive $1 million in grants secured by State Rep. Ben Sanchez.

Sanchez announced statewide Local Share Account grants that will support significant investments in education, community health care, and transportation infrastructure across eastern Montgomery County.

“These LSA grants represent smart, targeted investments that strengthen our workforce pipeline, expand access to essential health services, and improve quality of life in our communities,” Sanchez said. “From preparing students for high-demand cybersecurity careers, to expanding dental care for uninsured neighbors, to creating safer options for walking and biking, these projects deliver real benefits for the residents of our local community and beyond.”

Penn State Abington was awarded $248,500 in LSA funding toward a Cybersecurity Analytics Lab Expansion Project.

The project will create two industry-standard cybersecurity labs where students can simulate cyberattacks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world security challenges. Funding will support facility renovations, electrical upgrades, cybersecurity lab equipment, classroom instruction equipment, and audio-visual enhancements.

“This grant is a transformative boost for our growing cybersecurity and data analytics major that enables us to build cutting-edge labs that mirror real-world cyber defense environments,” Penn State Abington Chancellor Gary Liguori said. “Our students will be able to better simulate cyberattacks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and engage in incident response training."

Liguori said the new facilities will strengthen campus curriculum, internship preparation, and partnerships, and allow the college to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

“This investment ensures students are prepared to meet the growing cybersecurity needs of employers and the public sector,” Sanchez said. “Cybersecurity is a critical field, and this project helps keep our region competitive.”

Manor College is getting $625,123 in LSA funding to fully support the Manor College Dental Health Center Expansion Project.

The Dental Health Center provides essential dental services to community members in need, including those without insurance, while also serving as a clinical training site for dental hygiene students.

The expansion will allow for about 30 percent by adding two additional dental stations, increasing both student capacity and patient access. Funds will be used for construction, permitting, and the purchase and installation of necessary equipment.

“Manor College cannot thank Rep. Sanchez enough for his support of this application,” Manor College President Jonathan Peri said. “The work that will be done here in Abington Township will serve so many of our neighbors, especially seniors, throughout the region with more high-quality, low cost dental care. We are thrilled to move this project forward in such a way that will have a meaningful and lasting impact.”

“This project reflects a strong commitment to both education and community health,” Sanchez said. “Manor College plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality, compassionate dental care for our neighbors.”