Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges are offering 44 new programs in the 2014-15 academic year, offering a wide range of credentials including certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in wide-ranging fields.
Among them are new life sciences, mechatronics, unmanned aerial technology and culinary arts programs.
“As the largest public provider of higher education in Pennsylvania, our community colleges are important components in Pennsylvania’s continued workforce development,” says Elizabeth Bolden, President & CEO of the PA Commission for Community Colleges. “By regularly evaluating local needs and creating new programs, our colleges are helping to create solid jobs and foster innovation in Pennsylvania’s higher education landscape.”
The decision to create new programs at community colleges is not undertaken lightly. It is a multi-step process that accounts for local labor market data; demand in high-priority occupations; student interest; equipment, facility and faculty needs; college strategic plans; and the needs of local employers.
Many colleges consult with advisory councils comprised of employers in varying industries. Ultimately, the decision to add new programs rests in the hands of the Board of Trustees at each individual community college.
This is a continuous, ongoing process: many new programs are in the planning stages for addition to course offerings for the 2015-16 academic year. Because the course offerings are managed on a local level, community colleges are able to nimbly respond to needs of their local communities.
The adaptations of colleges to community needs do not only apply to new programs, but the reinstatement of programs placed on hold. At two colleges, an Associate of Applied Science degree in electric utility technology, offered by both Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Penn Highlands) and Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been reinstated after being placed on hold in 2011 due to the recession.
The adaptations of colleges to community needs do not only apply to new programs, but the reinstatement of programs placed on hold. At two colleges, an Associate of Applied Science degree in electric utility technology, offered by both Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Penn Highlands) and Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been reinstated after being placed on hold in 2011 due to the recession.
The Colleges have revived their partnerships with FirstEnergy Corp’s Pennsylvania utilities (Penelec, Met-Ed, West Penn Power and Pennsylvania Power) to offer award-winning program to train the next generation of utility substation workers. The programs combine hands-on utility skills at Penelec’s training facilities with academic coursework on the Penn Highlands and RACC campuses.
A full list of new programs is available online.
