WHAT: The Lucien E. Blackwell Apprenticeship Program, a new building trades training program, will be launched with a ceremonial signing of a memo of understanding between officials of the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Business and Construction Trades Council and others.  

The two-year pilot program will be funded by grants from Citizens Bank Foundation, the program's major sponsor, and supporting sponsor Wachovia Bank.  Community organizations, including faith-based groups, will help identify candidates for the training.  Twenty-five participants are expected to complete the training each year.  Penn will work with its construction project contractors to include West Philadelphia apprentices on crews.

WHERE: College Hall, Room 200, Locust Walk on the Penn campus

WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 16

WHO: Penn President Amy Gutmann will be joined at the signing by City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, widow of the late City Councilman and U.S. Rep. Lucien E. Blackwell, and Pat Gillespie of the Building Trades Council.  Steve Steinour, representing Citizens Bank Foundation, and Jeff Gish of Wachovia Bank will make check presentations.