June 23, 2020
Volume 2 | Issue 25
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.
Community College Programs are Essential to Economic Recovery
Following a recent Strada Education Network survey, state policymakers across the country are reportedly taking steps to ensure the quality and affordability of non-degree credentials, like those offered by community colleges. The survey found that creating quality, non-degree credential pathways can meet the needs of both unemployed individuals and local businesses.
Future Life-Savers Can Save Money on College EMT Course
Federal financial aid will be applicable to a Butler County Community College emergency medical technician certification preparation course that debuts this fall within a two-year career program, an offering that could allow future life-savers to save money before helping to reduce a statewide shortage of first responders. The Butler Eagle recently published an editorial on the opportunity.
Social Work Program Prepares Graduates for Success
Several recent graduates of Westmoreland County Community College’s (WCCC) Social Work degree program are celebrating success professionally and academically. Recent WCCC alumni Jessica Morrow and Brian Issi earned their bachelor’s degrees in social work this spring from California University of Pennsylvania.
Nursing Students Extend a Virtual Helping Hand to Other Students
Nursing students Janai Boran and Amber DiNatale are going above and beyond during this challenging time by tutoring their peers at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. In addition to keeping up with their own responsibilities and coursework, Boran said that they have extended their tutoring hours.
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.
Congratulations & Fun Fact
Congratulations to Rep. Bryan Cutler , who was unanimously elected to serve as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives . The Lancaster County official took the oath of office yesterday afternoon and became the Commonwealth's 141 st Speaker of the House. Rumor has it, he is the first bearded Speaker since Rep. Caleb Thompson took the oath in 1891.

Congratulations also to Rep. Kerry Benninghoff on being elected Majority Leader and Rep. Donna Oberlander on being elected Majority Whip.
Birthdays & Milestones
Happy (belated) Birthday to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro , Sen. Daylin Leach , Sen. Tom Killion , Rep. David Delloso and Rep. John Lawrence ! We wish you a happy, healthy year.

Congratulations to business students from Montgomery County Community College , who recently won top awards at Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Competition . Next stop? Nationals!