Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), and Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Montgomery), co-chairs of the bipartisan Community College Caucus, introduced and the Senate has passed a joint resolution-- Senate Resolution 98 -- recognizing the month of April 2017 as “Pennsylvania Community College Month” in Pennsylvania.
The resolution encourages residents to recognize, appreciate, and support the contributions these institutions make to their communities and the Commonwealth. The resolution says in part--
“Community Colleges fill an essential role in the state’s education continuum. They provide the educational building blocks for students who are looking to enhance their existing careers as well as providing an excellent opportunity for first time college students to get a great education, for a reasonable tuition. Community Colleges ultimately are economic engines, helping our local, county and state economic growth.”
The resolution recognizes Pennsylvania Community Colleges for providing accessible and affordable higher education, work force training and transfer opportunities for millions of Pennsylvania residents. Pennsylvania community colleges serve more than 327,000 students.
“Community colleges have always offered an affordable and quality education,” said Sen. Boscola said. “By partnering and collaborating with our business community, schools such as the Northampton Community College have tailored education and training opportunities for available cutting edge jobs and careers. I’m a proud supporter of community colleges.”
Community colleges continue to graduate students in many of the high-demand and high-growth industries vital to the state’s economy, particularly in health care, public safety, manufacturing and energy.
More than 1,120 employers throughout this Commonwealth have contracted with community colleges to provide training for more employees, and 48,349 employees have been trained by community colleges throughout Pennsylvania.
The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate.
For more information on community colleges, visit the PA Commission for Community Colleges website.
