August 25, 2020
Volume 2 | Issue 34
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.
Treasurer Torsella Announces Tuition-Free Training Plan for PA
Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella today unveiled the Pennsylvania Skills Compact, his plan to provide up to two years of tuition-free training for all Pennsylvanians towards associate’s degrees, technical certificates or occupational credentialing. "Treasurer Torsella’s plan gives students an avenue to a higher education degree or credential and a pathway to an in-demand, family-sustaining career," said Elizabeth Bolden, President & CEO of the Commission.
Think Only Ivy League Universities Embrace Research? Think Again
When Bucks County Community College had to close campuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff member Chris Ebinger saw how the unused computers could be used to research a cure for the very virus that caused the shutdown. College administrators immediately approved. Now dozens of computers process data in the quest for a cure.
Community Colleges Offer Responsive, Affordable Training
Community colleges respond quickly to local workforce needs - even as they change rapidly. "The Community College of Allegheny County has a workforce development program that caters to people looking for jobs that are currently in-demand," recently reported Ryan Deto in the Pittsburgh City Paper.
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 Frances Wolf, First Lady of Pennsylvania, Sen. Judy Ward, Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Rep. Pamela DeLissio, Rep. Clint Owlett, Rep. Ed Neilson, Rep. Michael Peifer, Rep. Joanna McClinton, Rep. Marcy Toepel, and Rep. Harry Readshaw.

Congratulations to recent Delaware County Community College graduate, Nicholas Delloso, on being one of only 48 student veterans nationwide selected to receive a 2020 Student Veteran Leadership Award from G.I. Jobs.