Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Bringing Back Shop Class

Bill would require students in grades 6-12 to take hands-on technical education courses.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:08am

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A vibrant silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a woodworking tool like a saw or hammer, rendered in a high-contrast pop art style with bold, unnatural colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the revival of shop class in Pennsylvania schools.A bold, colorful celebration of the return of hands-on technical education in Pennsylvania schools.Harrisburg Today

Two Pennsylvania state representatives, Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) and Marla Brown (R-Lawrence), have announced plans to introduce legislation that would mandate students in grades 6-12 to attend shop class. The proposed bill aims to provide all students with access to hands-on technical education, regardless of their school district or socioeconomic status.

Why it matters

The lawmakers argue that access to quality shop classes currently varies across school districts, and this legislation would help ensure equitable access to technical education for students. As technology and automation continue to advance, some policymakers believe it's important to also maintain traditional hands-on skills.

The details

The proposed legislation would require schools to offer at least one unit of hands-on technical education, which could include instruction in tool use, home repair, craftsmanship, machine safety, technical drawing, robotics, and engineering. The lawmakers say the bill will provide flexibility for districts to design programs that meet local needs.

  • The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the Pennsylvania state legislature in the coming weeks.

The players

Rep. Jill Cooper

A Republican state representative from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, who is co-sponsoring the proposed shop class legislation.

Rep. Marla Brown

A Republican state representative from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, who is co-sponsoring the proposed shop class legislation.

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What they’re saying

“Access to quality shop classes varies across school entities. This bill provides students with access to hands-on technical education regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status.”

— Rep. Jill Cooper and Rep. Marla Brown, Co-sponsors of the proposed legislation

What’s next

The proposed legislation still needs to be formally introduced in the Pennsylvania state legislature and go through the committee process before any potential vote.

The takeaway

This proposal reflects an effort by some Pennsylvania lawmakers to reemphasize the importance of hands-on, technical skills education for students, even as the state's economy continues to evolve with technological advancements. The bill aims to ensure equitable access to shop classes across all school districts.