The colleges, the Commonwealth’s largest and most affordable provider of public postsecondary education, have not received an increase in funding to their operating appropriation in the past two state budgets, while other education entities in the state have received funding increases.
Additional funding “will support the colleges’ vital role in providing high-quality education and workforce training,” said Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, president of Bucks County Community College and chair of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges.
The colleges also recommend $15 million of the administration’s $50 million PAsmart proposal be directed to support and expand career pathways at PA community colleges.
“The money will allow the colleges to expand existing, and develop new, career pathways for students, including associate degrees, diploma and certificate programs, and dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students,” Dr. Shanblatt said.
Several elected officials, including Rep. Jim Marshall, Rep. and Democratic Education Committee Chairman James Roebuck Jr., Rep. Joanna McClinton , and Rep. Christopher Rabb spoke out during the rally in favor of funding community colleges.
Student representatives from the colleges filled the steps of the main Capitol Rotunda.
“Investing in higher education, especially community colleges, is one of the best investments a state can make," Chairman Roebuck said.
Added Rep. McClinton, an alumnus of the Community College of Philadelphia: “It’s not just necessary, it’s our duty,” to invest community colleges.
Students and college officials spent a portion of the morning meeting with legislators and legislative staff to describe the benefits community colleges provide to the commonwealth and ask for a much-needed funding increase.
On Tuesday afternoon, Representative and Democratic Appropriations Committee Chairman Joe Markosek tweeted: “I am a supporter (and) visited with some passionate students who shared with me how community colleges are making a difference in their lives.”
For more information on community colleges in the Commonwealth, visit the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges website.
