HARRISBURG (March 20) - - A former Governor of Pennsylvania, a technology visionary and a partnership with a regional workforce investment board were honored tonight (Tuesday) in the State Capitol Rotunda as recipients of the Pennsylvania Public Television Network’s 2007 PPTN Neighborhood Awards.

Dischinat and Simon took home Best Neighbor Awards for their collaborative effort in creating “Career Gates”, a six-part workforce development series that provides students a glimpse into local companies and awareness of emerging industries. The effort strives to increase the knowledge of high schoolers about career paths and work opportunities. Television programs, DVDs and teacher lesson plans work to support “brain gain” and economic development initiatives in the Lehigh Valley.

"Most of us realize that our communities can only be as strong as our collective efforts," said Yvonne Cook, Vice President of Community and Health Initiatives at Highmark Inc. "Career Gates is an excellent example of how the combined efforts of many contribute far more than any of us can achieve alone. This program truly enhances the quality of life in the ‘neighborhood’ of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.”