January 26, 2021
Volume 3 | Issue 4
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.
PA Needs Community College Transfer and Workforce Programs
"Nearly half of community college students in the Commonwealth are considered very low-income, coming from families earning less than $30,000 annually," writes Elizabeth Bolden in a recent submission to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Every year, about 30,000 of our students transfer, saving at least $20,000 on the cost of higher education by starting at community college.
Erie County Community College Names Interim President
Last week, the Erie County Community College Board of Trustees unanimously named its first interim president, Dr. Judith Gay. Her first day will be February 1. Dr. Gay previously served as vice president of academic affairs and interim president at the Community College of Philadelphia. She also worked as a division chair for the Montgomery County Community College.
Community College Free Tax Prep Program Helps Older Adults
Older residents and those who have a lower income or disability can turn to a program organized by Westmoreland County Community College if they need help preparing a simple income tax return. The free assistance from tax preparation volunteers will be available by appointment, beginning Monday, February 15.
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.
Birthdays & Milestones
Happy (belated) Birthday to Congressman Lloyd Smucker, Rep. Brian Kirkland, and Rep. Joe Kerwin. May it be the best year yet!

Congratulations to Minnie Jones, recipient of this year's Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers JoAnne Day Student of the Year Award at the associate's degree level. She is a civil engineering student at the Community College of Allegheny County, enrolled in a collaborative program with Point Park University and Partner4Work.