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…
An Investment in Community Colleges Gets Pennsylvanians Back to Work
Pennsylvania lawmakers considering the fiscal year 2021-22 budget are tasked with a unique challenge as they determine how to best leverage federal funds to grow Pennsylvania’s economy. One priority should be getting Pennsylvanians back to work. Some experts – like David Deming, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School – believe community colleges…
Community College of Philadelphia Trustee Shares Perspective on Higher Education
Sheila Ireland, Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and Community College of Philadelphia Trustee, recently shared her unique perspectives on leadership and the role of higher education in training the Commonwealth’s workforce through a short question and answer session. Q: How long have you served as a trustee…
Register now for “On Course with Community Colleges: Reducing Barriers in Higher Education”
It is no secret that students face many barriers when pursuing higher education and COVID-19 has further disrupted the college landscape. Food and housing insecurity, lack of transportation, family obligations and employment responsibilities are just some of the challenges that students could face during their postsecondary journey. In fact, a recent report published by The…
Community College Leaders, Students Advocate for Increased Funding
During Community College Day today, students, trustees, presidents, and staff from Pennsylvania’s community colleges had the opportunity to collectively advocate for an increased funding level in the 2021-22 fiscal year budget. To that end, dozens of virtual meetings between community college advocates and elected officials took place across the state. The proposed budget by Gov….
Rep. Mark Gillen Graduates from Bucks County Community College
Through Reverse Transfer, Rep. Mark Gillen Receives Associate Degree during Live Virtual Ceremony To help celebrate Community College Month in April, Rep. Mark Gillen (R-128) was awarded an Associate of Arts degree by Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, president of Bucks County Community College, and David Breidinger, chair of the Bucks County Community College (Bucks) Board of…
Sen. Mensch Touts Quality, Affordable Community College Education & Training
Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24) has spent nearly a decade serving as co-chair for the Community College Caucus in Pennsylvania, and he has been a Caucus member even longer. If you ask him why, Sen. Mensch praises the three community colleges in his district and commends their positive impact on the counties he serves. However, Sen….
Senate Education Committee to Consider Legislation that Supports Training for Firefighter and EMS Volunteers
The Senate Education Committee will consider Senate Bill 83 (SB 83), on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The bipartisan legislation establishes a Secondary Education Fire Training Pilot Program to provide secondary school students an opportunity to receive firefighter instruction that leads to Firefighter I certification. The program would be administered by the State…