August 13, 2019
Volume 1 | Issue 32
Your Weekly Commission 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.
$90K Tool Will Enhance Nationally-Known Metrology Program
A state-of-the-art $90,000 FARO measurement tool gifted to Butler County Community College will enhance a distinctive and nationally known metrology program whose graduates have the highest potential starting salaries among the college’s occupational associate degree selections in STEM programs.
Meet Mikayla: Joining the Ranks of Women in Tech Fields
Mikayla Niemi is a thriving student at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, who is making steady progress toward a degree in computer information systems. Computer support specialists are in high demand, and the number of available jobs is expected to grow by 11 percent over the next several years. 
Student Finds Flexibility and Great Professors at Community College
Northampton Community College student Nicole says the college's work-study opportunities give her a hands-on learning experience. She also said the flexible and welcoming nature of the college help her succeed. Listen to her story and other stories by Achieving the Dream here.
Drexel's President Tours RACC's State-of-the-Art STEM Labs
President John Fry of  Drexel University  recently toured the Schmidt Training and Technology Center’s state-of-the-art STEM labs at  Reading Area Community College  with RACC President Dr. Susan Looney  while they discussed expanding RACC’s partnership with Drexel. RACC graduates can transfer to Drexel’s campus programs as well as complete their bachelor’s degrees through Drexel’s Online Professional Studies programs.
Community College Helps Recently Laid-Off Employees
As major employers, including the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery and Hahnemann University Hospital , announced that they would close their doors, putting thousands out of work, Delaware County officials and institutions are rolling out programs to help . Delaware County Community College is one such institution, recently hosting a rapid response session at its STEM Center for those who have been impacted by the recent layoffs.
Birthdays & Milestones
Hope you Enjoy a Fabulous Year!
Happy (belated) birthday to Congressman Mike Doyle , Sen. Pat Stefano , Rep. Martin Causer , Rep. Jeanne McNeill and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney !

Did we miss someone? Birthday submissions are welcomed to media@pacommunitycolleges.org .