The Corry Higher Education Council has teamed up with QUINNtessential Grant Works to present an engaging, hands-on workshop for organizations pursuing grant funding. Participants will discover how artificial intelligence can streamline the grant application process, helping save time and enhance results.

Facilitated by Erin Sekerak, Founder and Grant Strategist, the session highlights practical strategies for integrating AI into every stage of grant development — from locating funding opportunities and strengthening proposal narratives to organizing and managing submissions more effectively.

This free presentation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:30p-7p at the Corry Higher Education Council. Registration is required by visiting www.corryhied.org or by calling 814-664-9405.

Phil Kerner - The Tool & Die Guy!

With over 40 years in the manufacturing industry, Phil Kerner — affectionately known as The Tool & Die Guy — brings real-world experience, historical insight, and humor to every presentation.

Phil began his career in 1980 as a toolmaker and moldmaker apprentice, eventually building his own thriving shop that employed 40 skilled craftspeople. Today, he continues his work at Industrial Sales & Mfg. and remains a passionate advocate for the trades, inspiring others through his popular YouTube channel with more than 40,000 subscribers.

Manufacturing runs deep in Phil’s bloodline — his father and grandfather were also toolmakers, a tradition documented as far back as the 1920 U.S. Census. His talks combine a century of family legacy, practical shop-floor wisdom, and a contagious enthusiasm for American manufacturing.

Speaking Topics Include:

• The Future of American Manufacturing – Why the trades matter more than ever.

• Shop Etiquette & Professionalism – Building respect, relationships, and reputation.

• Lessons from the Tool Room – What 40 years in the trade can teach about leadership.

• The Legacy of the Toolmaker – Honoring history while inspiring the next generation.

Why Audiences Love PhilPhil’s presentations blend storytelling, humor, and hands-on experience to engage audiences of all ages — from students considering the trades to seasoned professionals reigniting their passion for the craft.Whether speaking at schools, industry conferences, or manufacturing associations, Phil’s mission is simple:To celebrate the craftsmanship, pride, and people that keep American manufacturing alive.

The presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5:30p-7p at the Corry Hi-Ed. The cost to register is $10. To register, please visit www.corryhied.org or call 814-664-9405.

Presented by PA CareerLink, the purpose of this workshop is to teach you how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, grow your network, and leverage platform tools for job searches, professional branding, and career growth.

The workshop will be held at the Corry Higher Education Council on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 1:30p-2:30p. The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required by calling the Hi-Ed at 814-664-9405 or visiting the Hi-Ed website at www.corryhied.org.

In this one-time two-hour workshop, students will learn how to create, record, and publish their own podcasts. Students will be able to post videos to YouTube and other supporting video platforms. This will be a demo workshop where students will create sample podcasts and work on how to record and upload them, and how to share the content. Gain hands-on experience creating your own podcast.

Required materials: student to bring in their personal laptops, microphones and web cam (laptops with built in cameras and microphones are preferred).

This class will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 5:30p-7:30p at the Corry Higher Education Council. The fee to register is $30, and registration can be completed by visiting www.corryhied.org or by calling 814-664-9405.

"LGBTQ+ 101" is a basic training covering fundamentals of the LGBTQ+ experience. We look at current terms, definitions and vocabulary; explore the social context of discrimination and examine some of the physical and behavioral disparities experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. There’s an extended look at SOGIE (Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity & Expression) with an examination of the challenges and issues facing trans and non-binary people with a discussion of current best practices for working with that population. The program finishes with a look at what you and your organization can do to create a safe, welcoming environment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Workshop participants will learn the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity.

Participants will learn the context of discrimination in which the LGBTQ+ develop and the wide range of health disparities growing out of that.

Participants will learn the most current terms used by members of the transgender community.

Participants will learn strategies and best practices for working with the trans community.

Participants will learn some of the resources available to help them assist their LGBTQ+ clients.

Founded in 1972, Persad Center is the nation's second oldest behavioral health & wellness center working with the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS community. As part of our mission to promote the well-being of our constituents, Persad Center works extensively on issues affecting the community: Homelessness, family rejection, bullying, at-risk behaviors, support groups, senior services, addiction counseling and transgender care and services.

Ted Hoover is an Educator/Trainer who has worked with PA Bureau of Family Health on such issues as LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention, adolescent sexual health and creating safe work/education environments across the Commonwealth. Additionally, he focuses on issues of discrimination, hate crime and human trafficking with area law enforcement and the Civil Rights Division of the FBI.

The free training will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 4:30p-6:30p at the Corry Higher Education Council. Preregistration is required by visiting www.corryhied.org or by calling 814-664-9405.

Presented by PA CareerLink, the purpose of this workshop is to learn about all of the components necessary to consider and work through in order to make a successful career change.

The workshop will be held at the Corry Higher Education Council on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 1:30p-2:30p. The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required by calling the Hi-Ed at 814-664-9405 or visiting the Hi-Ed website at www.corryhied.org.