February 9, 2021
Volume 3 | Issue 6
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.
Opinion: Community Colleges are Key to Post-Pandemic Recovery
In a recent submission to Lehigh Valley Live, Lehigh Carbon Community College President Ann D. Bieber and Northampton Community College President Mark H. Erickson explain, "If not for our area’s affordable community colleges, many... residents would have no other option for college or post-secondary education and training."
Community College Brings Amazon Training to Pennsylvania
Amazon.com Inc. has chosen Lehigh Carbon Community College as one of four colleges nationwide to offer training for employees wanting to expand their careers, or prospective workers who want a highly skilled, high-paying and in-demand job. The Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship started in June, and by early December, the college had trained 98 students.
Student Extols Community College Opportunities and Affordability
Christian Arcarese said that he would be in "serious debt with student loans" if he hadn't started at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. He believes he also may have missed out on opportunities, like participating in the Disney College Program, a highly competitive internship program.
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 Brendan Boyle, Rep. Dan Williams, Rep. Jim Rigby, Rep. Andrew Lewis, Rep. Craig Staats, and Rep. Kevin Boyle.

Northampton Community College recently announced the appointment of Dr. Robert Robinson as its inaugural vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. He comes to NCC with a 15-year background in managing and leading diversity initiatives within higher education. Welcome to the team, Dr. Robinson!