Pennsylvania’s thriving future relies on one simple thing:
The Commonwealth should increase the community college operating appropriation and – after establishing an appropriate funding level – provide ongoing, consistent funding.
The Commonwealth must provide capital funding to maintain Pennsylvania’s current investment in community college infrastructure, such as the facilities and equipment necessary to ensure students are offered high-quality instruction aligned with high-priority occupations.
The Commonwealth should partner with community colleges to improve the college readiness of high school graduates by funding research-based, proven practices to increase college success, such as summer bridge programs.
The Commonwealth should fund a statewide dual enrollment program.
The Commonwealth should implement a program to waive tuition and fees for students seeking a credential at a Pennsylvania community college.
The Commonwealth should fund transfer scholarships for community college students seeking a baccalaureate degree at a public four-year institution.
The Commonwealth should authorize community colleges to confer applied baccalaureate degrees.
The Commonwealth should provide funding for existing community colleges to partner with entities in underserved regions of Pennsylvania to expand community college programming and services.
The Commonwealth should fund the expansion of existing – and the development of new – programs and career pathways aligned with local and state workforce needs. This includes programs leading to a diploma, certificate, credential, associate degree or formal or informal apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and applied baccalaureate degrees.
The Commonwealth should prioritize Pennsylvania’s community colleges as a preferred provider in Pennsylvania’s job training programs through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) implementation and WEDnetPA.
The Commonwealth should include community colleges as a partner in efforts to attract industries to Pennsylvania.