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…
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….