Yesterday, Presidents from Erie County Community College (ECCC) and Edinboro University signed an articulation agreement. The agreement is especially noteworthy because the State Board of Education approved the application to establish ECCC less than a year ago, a testament to the flexibility and responsiveness of the community college model.

Pennsylvania policymakers are considering a $204 million need-based scholarship program – with eligibility that limits participation to students enrolled in the state’s university system. While the aim of the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program is noble, it excludes many students who need support in achieving their higher education goals.

Lawmakers considering the fiscal year 2021-22 budget are tasked with a unique challenge as they determine how to best leverage federal funds to grow Pennsylvania’s economy. One priority should be getting Pennsylvanians back to work. Some experts – like David Deming, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School – believe community colleges could be the answer.

With states across the nation struggling to curb higher education costs, many are reexamining the potential of statewide dual enrollment programs to lower student debt and reduce time to a degree. Dual enrollment, or early college, is used by high school students to explore college options and earn college credit prior to high school graduation.