Rep. Isaacson Touts Benefits of a Statewide Dual Enrollment Program with Community Colleges as Eligible Providers
“Part of my job as an elected official is to make education available and accessible to all Pennsylvanians – from early childhood through postsecondary education,” said Rep. Mary Isaacson, who is a co-chair of the Community College Caucus and serving her second term as a member of the House Education Committee. “Higher education in particular…
Navy Veteran Finds Success, Charts Bright Future at Pennsylvania Community College
“When I was 17 or 18 and thought I was one of the cool kids, I made fun of classmates who planned to attend to a community college. Looking back now, I couldn’t have been more wrong,” explained Ryan Evans, 28, who graduated from Luzerne County Community College in May 2021. “I cannot verbalize how…
Public Comment Submitted by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges
The 60-day public comment period for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) System Redesign and University Integration concludes tomorrow – on June 30, 2021 – and the PASSHE Board of Governors have much to consider, including comments submitted today by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. Chief among the dozen actionable recommendations submitted…
Community College Awarded Degree-Granting Authority less than a Year after the Vote to Establish It
Erie County Community College (ECCC) of Pennsylvania was awarded degree-granting authority by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in a letter from Acting Deputy Secretary Dr. Tanya Garcia. The letter from Dr. Garcia states, in part, “Pursuant to 22 Pa. Code §35.22, ECCC is authorized to offer diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs in the arts,…
Community Colleges Are Poised to Help the Commonwealth’s Economy Thrive
“We need a diverse economy with family-supporting jobs,” wrote Greg Zebrowski, chairman of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, in a recent submission to the Allentown Morning Call. He went on to praise Northampton Community College and Lehigh Carbon Community College for their commitment to preparing Pennsylvanians for in-demand, well-paying careers in the Commonwealth. Because that…
Prestigious Two-Year Executive Committee Appointments Announced
The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC) today announced the recently elected officers to the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors. The Executive Committee leads the PACCC Board of Directors in determining the statewide direction and policy interests of its member community colleges. Executive Committee members serve two-year terms, which begin July 1, 2021….
Sen. Boscola Witnessed the Positive Impact of Community College Education as a Child
State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola has spent the majority of her professional career working to improve the lives of Lehigh Valley residents. Currently the co-chair of the Community College Caucus, Sen. Boscola shares her perspective on higher education and community colleges below: Q: What inspired you to become a Community College Caucus Co-Chair? How has…
Articulation Agreement Highlights Flexibility of Community College Model
Yesterday, Presidents from Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania (ECCC) and Edinboro University signed an articulation agreement, creating a public-to-public transfer option which will enable ECCC students to continue their education at Edinboro after earning their associate’s degree. The agreement is especially noteworthy because the Pennsylvania State Board of Education approved the application to establish…
Dual Enrollment Decreases Time and Cost of Degree, Saving Students Thousands
With states across the nation struggling to curb higher education costs, many are reexamining the potential of statewide dual enrollment programs to lower student debt and reduce time to a degree. Dual enrollment, or early college, is used by high school students to explore college options and earn college credit prior to high school graduation….
Expand Nellie Bly Eligibility to Keep Higher Education Affordable for All Pennsylvania Students
During this year’s budget negotiations, Pennsylvania policymakers are considering a $204 million need-based scholarship program – with eligibility that limits participation to students enrolled in the state’s university system. While the aim of the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program is noble, it excludes many students who need support in achieving their higher education goals. “I didn’t…