December 10th, 2008
Bidwell Training Center Invites the Public to Celebrate 40 Years of Changing Lives
(PITTSBURGH) – Bidwell Training Center (BTC), a non-profit post secondary career and academic training institution located in Manchester, begins its fifth decade of changing the lives of Pittsburghers. Commemorating this milestone, BTC will invite the public to a most fitting tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Just as his efforts have impacted the socio-economic scene nationally and that legacy continues today, BTC remains committed to its mission to change lives. Offering a unique environment that serves the fundamental needs of people in transition, a changing economy, and workforce development, Bidwell provides educational and training opportunities to all those who aspire to achieve their dreams and goals. Come celebrate and learn how to become a part of the Bidwell story.
Bidwell's 40th Anniversary Open House is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Martin Luther King Day, January 19, 2009, at 1815 Metropolitan Street. The event will include the 40th Anniversary photo exhibition "Protest to Prosperity" and Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s permanent collection of civil rights era photographs featuring Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors will also be offered guided tours of BTC facilities, program demonstrations and exhibits, and book signings by William E. Strickland, Jr., President and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation. Bidwell admissions and program staff will be available to discuss market-driven training program opportunities. Refreshments will be served and the event is free and open to the public.
Bidwell’s community exhibition will be held in conjunction with a day of volunteer service sponsored by Pittsburgh Cares. Please check their website at http://www.pittsburghcares.org for more information and registration.
On September 24, 2008, Bidwell Training Center kicked off its 40th Anniversary with a private event called The Fabric of Our Community that commemorated the organization’s rich history, culture and accomplishments. BTC co-founder, Reverend Jimmy Joe Robinson, was presented with the first annual Fabric of Our Community award in recognition of his contributions. Local artist Ruth Ward was commissioned to create a beautiful honorary quilt, which was unveiled at the ceremony and is now on display for all visitors to enjoy.
Bidwell Training Center’s 40th Anniversary Celebration is sponsored in part by Equitable Gas, PJ Dick Incorporated and Trumbull Corporation, UPMC, Bayer MaterialScience, LLC, NOVA Chemicals, United States Steel, Oxford Development Company, Peter and Diana Jannetta, Rothman Gordon, Neville Chemical, Cengage Learning, Starbucks, Paragon Monteverde, Pittsburgh Cut Flower and Stonebridge Farm Landscaping and Nursery.
Bidwell Training Center At A Glance
For 40 years, Bidwell Training Center, Inc. has attracted national recognition for its innovative and career oriented training. Programs feature strong partnerships with Pittsburgh’s premiere corporations, agencies and organizations. Bidwell is an accredited post-secondary career training institution that offers short-term accelerated programs. Training is geared toward equipping students with the necessary skills for employment in today’s ever-changing marketplace. Bidwell changes lives through educational and career opportunities for people in transition in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We respond to the needs of students and employers by eliminating roadblocks to success, encouraging life-long learning, and designing market-relevant training programs. For more information about Bidwell Training Center please visit our website at http://www.bidwell-training.org
