PA Community Colleges Respond to COVID-19
Updated April 9, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Pennsylvania community colleges are being proactive in their response to COVID-19 by modifying class schedules or adopting distance learning models. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is closely monitoring the virus and encourages all Pennsylvanians to do their part to mitigate its spread. In response to the current shortage…
Statement on Proposed Funding Following 2020 Budget Address
“We are concerned and disappointed that the 2020-21 fiscal year budget proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf does not provide an operating or capital funding increase for community colleges, failing to support our nearly 300,000 students and the communities we economically enhance,” said Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges President & CEO Elizabeth Bolden on behalf of leaders from Pennsylvania’s 14…
Pennsylvania Community College Leaders Sign Seamless Transfer Agreement with Southern New Hampshire University
During a digital signing and news conference today, 14 Pennsylvania community college presidents announced a new partnership and articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Under the agreement, students from all 14 Pennsylvania community colleges will be able to transfer up to 90 credits to SNHU and complete their bachelor’s degree online with a…
Dual Enrollment Expands at Luzerne County Community College
Luzerne County Community College has seen 20 percent growth in its dual enrollment program since the 2015-16 academic year, and many of these students are returning after high school graduation to earn a degree or certificate at the college. Dual enrollment allows high school students to enroll at a local community college and receive college credit…
Q&A with Sen. Jay Costa, Community College of Allegheny County Alumnus
Responses provided by Sen. Jay Costa’s Office Q: Why is higher education in Pennsylvania important to you?A: I know firsthand that a post-secondary education can empower individuals. As a graduate of Community College of Allegheny County (A.S. 1977), and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (B.A. 1979), and a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University (1989) I have had…
Westmoreland Vice President Champions Low-Income Single Mothers
Sydney Beeler, Ed.D., vice president of Enrollment Management at Westmoreland County Community College, has become a powerful advocate for low-income single mothers trying to better themselves and their families through education. She has presented the findings of her recent research on the subject at several recent conferences. One stepping stone she’s found for these parents on their pathway…
PA Community Colleges to Offer 70 New Programs for the 19-20 Academic Year
Expanding the already robust certificates, diplomas and degrees offered by Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges, the colleges will offer 70 new programs in wide-ranging and in-demand careers for the 2019-20 academic year. The in-person and distance education opportunities include programs in STEM, hydroponic agriculture and substance abuse treatment. “As the largest provider of higher education in…
Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges Announces Prestigious Two-Year Executive Committee Appointments
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 14 community colleges. Executive Committee members serve two-year terms, which begin July 1, 2019….
Veteran Finds Job Training at Community College
Sean Kerpovich of Luzerne County decided to serve his country after the devastating terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. He enlisted in the National Guard and, in the following decade, was deployed on three combat tours in Iraq. During that time, many changes occurred – both nationally and locally – including an economic downturn…
Penn Highlands Graduate Plans to Continue her Educational Journey
During her senior year of high school in 2017, Jenna Stevens hadn’t planned to continue her education after graduation – until the sudden realization struck her that she might need a postsecondary degree to succeed. As an average student, Jenna wasn’t even sure she could get into a college or university; but when she discovered Pennsylvania Highlands Community…