February 2, 2021
Volume 3 | Issue 5
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.
Governor Wolf's Budget Address Rescheduled for Wednesday
Gov. Tom Wolf is scheduled to virtually deliver his Budget Address for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year on Wednesday, February 3. In a press conference last week, Gov. Wolf called for action on several issues, one of which is to 'Get Pennsylvania Back on Track After the Pandemic'. Community colleges can help get people back to work in family-sustaining careers through short-term training, certificates and affordable transfer programs.
Community College Offers Training to Aid Economic Recovery
Montgomery County Community College is collaborating with local employers – like Norristown-based Secure Components – to train or upskill their workforce. The college also helps pay for the training through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) grant. This type of training can help businesses and individuals rebound from the disruption caused by COVID-19.
How States Can Help Transfer Students Complete Their Degree
More than 30,000 students transfer from Pennsylvania community colleges each year. Those who transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions save at least $20,000 on the cost of higher education by starting at community college. In a recent article published by The EvoLLLution, researchers offer three ways states can support transfer students, like prioritizing statewide transfer agreements over local agreements.
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 Sen. Arthur Haywood and Rep. Jason Silvis. May you both enjoy a happy and healthy year!

Congratulations to Northampton Community College faculty member Dr. Javier Ávila – acclaimed poet, novelist, professor, and public speaker – on receiving the prestigious 2021 William Aguilar Cultural Award given by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE).