Current and Former Community College Students Share Life-Changing Impact of their College Choice
“I was a first-generation college student. My Dad did complete high school, but my Mom had to drop out in the ninth grade to support her family,” said Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson, President of Kutztown University (Kutztown) and community college alumnus, during a recent webinar. “I was totally self-supporting at 17, before I even finished high…
Trustee Explains How Community Colleges Can Lower the Cost of Higher Education
“It has been said that education is a great equalizer, and I think that’s particularly true of the opportunities offered by community colleges,” said Marcel L. Groen, treasurer of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges Board of Directors. “Community colleges offer high-quality, affordable and flexible education and training programs that are more accessible to historically…
Register Now for “On Course with Community Colleges: Making Transfer Easier for Pennsylvanians”
Register Here“On Course with Community Colleges: Making Transfer Easier for Pennsylvanians”Friday, October 8, 2021 | 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.Attendees are invited to submit questions for panelists during the live discussion. Each year, thousands of Pennsylvanians enroll in a community college with plans to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor’s degree….
Rep. Ortitay Believes Community Colleges are a Leader in Higher Education Delivery
Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-46) recently visited the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) to tour the Shell Center for Process Technology Education, which prepares students for careers in regional technology-driven fields in the petrochemical and manufacturing industries. The programs include training in the technology and equipment commonly used by the local industry. During the visit,…
Sen. Williams First Saw Value of Reskilling Offered by Community Colleges after Mother’s Layoff
“My Mom graduated from Luzerne County Community College in May 2014. It was one of the proudest moments of my life,” recalled Sen. Lindsey Williams, Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee. “After she was laid off, she went back to school for Human Resources Management. My Mom found a job right after graduation and…
Rep. Sonney: Quality, Affordable Education and Training Offered by Community Colleges is One of Pennsylvania’s Best Kept Secrets
Rep. Curt Sonney from Erie County, Chair of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee, understands the value of both hard work and higher education. He believes that everyone who wants to improve their life through postsecondary education or training should have an affordable option to do so – and that’s where Erie County Community College of…
Dr. Tanya Garcia: Community Colleges Reflect the Commonwealth’s Diversity
Education Secretary Noe Ortega announced the appointment of Tanya I. Garcia, Ph.D. as the new Deputy Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education (OPHE) at the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in November 2020. Dr. Garcia shares her perspective on higher education and community colleges in Pennsylvania below: Q: What inspired you to…
Rep. Madden Supports New Partnership between PA Community College and PASSHE University
Last month, Northampton Community College (NCC) and East Stroudsburg University (ESU) announced a new partnership that will make transfer options even easier for NCC students looking to continue their education at ESU. The partnership will facilitate enhanced and seamless access for NCC students to ESU’s upper division undergraduate and graduate programs through 2+2+1 pathways. Rep….
Rep. Longietti Sees Community Colleges as a Gateway to a Better Tomorrow
“To me, community colleges in Pennsylvania are a gateway – either to the workforce or another postsecondary institution,” said Rep. Mark Longietti, Democratic Chair of the House Education Committee. “These aren’t just the stereotypical college students anymore, either. Many are nontraditional students with careers, families and other responsibilities who are trying to build a better…
Council of Presidents Praises New PASSHE Transfer Policy
At their recent annual retreat, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC) Council of Presidents reviewed and applauded a new transfer policy which was adopted by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors in July 2021. Under the revised policy, students transferring to PASSHE with an associate degree from a Pennsylvania…