History

A History of Partnership

The York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL) was founded as “The York County Business Education Partnership, Inc.” in September of 1989 by William Simpson (CEO of Pfaltzgraff) and Thomas Wolf (CEO of The Wolf Organization). The organization was launched with the mission “to increase support for and improve the quality of education within York County, Pennsylvania and certain adjacent areas”. Following the strategic merger with similarly-aligned organizations and programs such as the First Capital Compact and School to Work Program, the organization officially changed its name to the “York County Alliance for Learning” in December of 2000.

YCAL’s mission is connecting educators and employers to engage students in career education, exploration, and development. YCAL’s aspiration is to be the go-to resource for educators who help students make meaningful career decisions. YCAL meets this mission and aspiration by facilitating partnerships and leveraging resources to advance innovative career education and workforce development initiatives.

YCAL is recognized as an intermediary organization that connects employers, students, educators, and the community to assist in aligning the skills and education of the future workforce with employers’ needs.

YCAL Program Overview

Please visit the following sections of our website for current programs offered for each audience:

Educator Programs

Student Programs

Other Events

Annual Meeting and Recognition Reception
The Annual Meeting and Recognition Reception is held at the end of the Summer and allows YCAL the opportunity to recognize the many business and education partners, volunteers, and financial supporters that have assisted in the fulfillment of its mission. The event highlights accomplishments from the previous school year and also serves as a kick-off to the new school year, along with an overview of programs offered.


School Directors Dinner
The YCAL School Directors Dinner is held in the Spring to recognize school board members for their dedication and service to our schools and communities. YCAL takes this opportunity to recognize specific school board members for specific service year milestones. As part of the recognition program, YCAL will highlight at least one program to showcase to the board members in attendance.

Testimonials

"Our district partners with YCAL because it offers our students unique opportunities to explore career paths that align with the needs of our local economy while supporting the value of pathway options after high school. Through this partnership, we can provide students with practical experiences, such as internships and job shadowing, complementing their academic learning. YCAL helps us connect students directly with local businesses and professionals, ensuring they gain valuable insights into potential careers while still in school."

- Dr. Scott Krauser, Superintendent, York Suburban School District

"The York Water Company supports YCAL because YCAL inspires curiosity in the students and educators who are drawn to its many programs.  Curiosity stokes the boiler of imagination, and imagination drives ingenuity and adaptability.  We rely upon an adaptive and agile workforce to sustain our 200 year old Company, and YCAL provides the opportunity for students to explore and hydrate their curious minds so that one day they’ll reinvest their talent right here in our community."

- JT Hand, The York Water Company, President and Chief Executive Officer

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We here at FOX43 are proud to support YCAL because it serves an important role in helping students make determinations about their education choices and career pursuits. Giving them the opportunity to see what is out there as possibilities sets them up for career satisfaction and a lot less time “trying to figure it out”. FOX43 will continue to play a role in YCAL’s important, and beneficial, mission for as long as they will have us.

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- Chris Topf, President and General Manager, WPMT FOX43