Mifflinburg, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin joined students and staff at Mifflinburg Intermediate School to highlight the Wildcat Way, a mentorship program started by one of Mifflinburg’s own senior students, Troy Dressler, and how the Shapiro Administration’s 2024-25 budget proposal will make historic investments in Pennsylvania schools and students.
The Shapiro Administration is committed to making sure students get the support they need to succeed – in school and beyond. The 2024-25 budget proposal builds on last year’s progress to ensure all Pennsylvania children have the opportunity to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed, by investing in our public schools, teachers, facilities and more. This year’s proposal includes a nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding – the largest in Pennsylvania history. The 2024-25 budget proposal also includes $300 million for school environmental repairs, $100 million for mental health supports in schools, a $50 million increase for special education funding, a $50 million annual investment in school safety and security improvements, $10 million for the Educator Talent Recruitment Account, and more.
“Today’s students are the future of the Commonwealth – our future teachers, athletes, doctors, police officers, and leaders. It is our duty to make sure today’s students have the things they need, not just to help them learn in the classroom, but also making sure they have the nutritious meals and mental health supports they need,” said Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. “I’m proud of districts throughout Pennsylvania, like Mifflinburg, for opening doors and providing opportunities for students in and out of the classroom, and I’m especially proud of our fine young students who see a need for a program or initiative in their community or school and take action, giving other learners and younger students good role models and leaders to look up to.”
The Wildcat Way is a mentorship program where Mifflinburg High School students join younger students in the district, reading and doing activities, to create a community learning environment across the schools. It benefits both older students and younger students alike.
“The Wildcat Way has been a great experience for our younger and older students within our district. This program is all about the leaders at our high school teaching the younger students about what it means to become a Mifflinburg Wildcat,” said Mifflinburg High School senior Troy Dressler. “This has been a wonderful experience, as I feel we are impacting students to become better people. A big thank you to our seniors who have been a part of this, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for The Wildcat Way,”
While the program is open to all students, one group of students who have benefited from the mentorship program is student athletes, both in the high school and younger grades.
“It’s refreshing to see my fifth-grade student-athletes light up when they are visited by their high school student-athlete heroes in a different light – as leaders of the future,” said Mr. Mark Alexander, fifth grade teacher.