Community Colleges Offer Mental Health Support during COVID-19 Pandemic
Most individuals have already or will experience emotional discomfort, increased anxiety or worse in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the disruption to people’s lives. Grief at missing out on experiences, frustration and uncertainty are normal reactions to an event as unsettling as a worldwide pandemic. The situation is new and unpredictable. Remember:…
Pennsylvania Community College Students Honored for Academic Excellence
Two-Year Scholarship to State System Schools Awarded to 47 Transfer Scholars The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC) recently announced the 26th Annual All-Pennsylvania Academic Team. The honor recognizes an exceptional group of community college students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated a commitment to their colleges and communities. The 2020 awardees include 47…
More than 10 Community Colleges Donate Critical Supplies During Shortage caused by COVID-19
In response to the current shortage of personal protective equipment due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, community colleges across the Commonwealth are supporting Pennsylvania healthcare professionals, many of whom are community college alumni, with the donation of medical supplies. The nursing, allied health and other relevant programs are loaning ventilators, contributing supplies of gloves and…
Online Student Continues Education at SNHU
Sarah Polachek has been taking online classes since she enrolled in cyber school during middle school. Her father is a pilot, so the distance learning approach to education made sense for her and her family because it gave them the ability to travel with him. While considering postsecondary education, it was only natural that Ms….
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…