December 15, 2020
Volume 2 | Issue 50
Your Weekly Community College Update
Community colleges play an important role in educating and training current and future generations of workers,
in addition to providing affordable and responsive higher education to thousands of Pennsylvanians every year.
Community Colleges: The Backbone of a Community
Presidents and students from the Community College of Allegheny County, Community College of Beaver County, Butler County Community College, and Westmoreland County Community College recently appeared in a WTAE segment on how community colleges are dedicated to helping students reach their goals.
PA Community College Becomes First in Country to Offer Program
Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is taking an innovative approach to help students receive the resources that can help them with housing, food, child care and other essential needs by collaborating with Benefits Data Trust (BDT). MCCC is the first college in the country to partner with the national nonprofit organization to provide a student benefits pilot program. 
Meet Alumna Amelia: Single Mother Earned Nursing Degree
Due to many tragic circumstances, Amelia Demopoulos became homeless and dropped out of high school. Years later, she earned her GED through HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, and was accepted to the Nursing Program. “I wish people knew that HACC is much more than a community college,” Amelia said. “It’s a means to a better life."
Continuing Coverage
PA Community Colleges Respond to COVID-19 as Situation Evolves
Pennsylvania community colleges continue to evaluate their response to COVID-19. As guidance changes, the most up-to-date information from each community college is available through the Commission's website.
Milestones & Congratulations
Happy (belated) Birthday to Rep. Sue Helm, Rep. Maureen Madden, and Rep. Greg Rothman. May you enjoy a happy, healthy year!

Congratulations to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College marketing and communications team on recently earning four Medallion Awards in 2020 from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. Three of the four awards that Penn Highlands received were related to messaging and delivery methods used during the COVID-19 era.