On Course with Community Colleges: Transfer Offers Affordable Pathway to Private College Degree

December 15, 2022

Panelists Caro Mercado, M.S., Associate Dean for Admissions & Director of Partnerships at Bucknell University; Meredith Goldsmith, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer and professor of English at Ursinus College; and Miles Noecker, Montgomery County Community College alumnus and current undergrad, recently joined us to discuss how well community college alumni are performing at private colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and the value they bring to these top tier institutions.


On Course with Community Colleges: Imagining a Prosperous Pennsylvania

April 1, 2022

While the Commonwealth is still grappling with disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, state leaders imagine a prosperous future for Pennsylvania – and believe community colleges have a significant role to play in getting us there. During Community College Week 2022, we heard from two of those leaders – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-46) and Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-146) – who discussed that vibrant future and the critical role of community colleges in Pennsylvania. Panelist biographies are available here.


On Course with Community Colleges: Making Postsecondary Transfer Easier for Pennsylvanians

October 13, 2021

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. Community colleges and state system universities have been working together on an institution-to-institution basis for decades to align programs and customize pathways to degree completion.

Recently two college presidents who are working together for the benefit of students – Dr. Ann Bieber from Lehigh Carbon Community College and Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania – discussed the innovative and effective ways they are and have been partnering to streamline the transfer process. Two students, Madison McGlinchey and Danny Melin, also explained how these institution-to-institution policies make it easier for students to navigate the postsecondary landscape as they pursue a bachelor’s degree.


On Course with Community Colleges: Reducing Barriers in Higher Education

April 30, 2021

A panelist from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice joins Dr. Charlene Newkirk of the Community College of Allegheny County, and Delaware County Community College student Victoria Wilson to discuss barriers to higher education such as food and housing insecurity, family obligations and employment responsibilities, as well as what community colleges are doing to reduce these obstacles. Panelist biographies are available here: http://bit.ly/OnCourse4PA.


On Course with Community Colleges: Supporting Substance Abuse Recovery

October 15, 2020

The Commission’s first On Course with Community Colleges webinar – Supporting Substance Abuse Recovery with Education and Intervention Services – features panelists Luzerne County Community College President Thomas P. Leary, Butler County Community College President Dr. Nicholas Neupauer, and an individual in recovery, community college alumna Ashlynn Heller.