March 30, 2021
Volume 3 | Issue 13
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.
From Homelessness to Recovery: One Alumnus Shares his Journey
Two-and-a-half years ago, Kevin McCloud was at the lowest point of his life: homeless, penniless, unemployed and battling addiction. Today, thanks in part to education from Northampton Community College, the 55-year-old works as a certified recovery specialist at Change on Main in Northampton Borough.
Dual Enrollment Offers High School Students a Start on College
When 18-year-old Muhlenberg High School senior Brooke Elizabeth Weister starts college this fall she'll already have a semester of college credits in-hand. A few she earned through taking Advanced Placement exams last year, but most are from her participation in a dual enrollment program at Reading Area Community College.
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.
Sen. Mensch Touts Quality, Affordable Community College
Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24), co-chair for the Community College Caucus in Pennsylvania, recently shared his thoughts on community colleges with the Commission.

"For many, the flexibility and affordability of community college makes higher education attainable. Whether the person is training to enter the workforce or building the basis for further education, community colleges meet a critical need in our Commonwealth," said Sen. Mensch.
Birthdays & Milestones
Happy (belated) Birthday to Sen. Sharif Street, Rep. Josh Kail, Rep. Bob Brooks, Rep. Manuel Guzman, and Rep. Jason Dawkins. May you enjoy a happy and healthy year!

The Centurion, the student newspaper of Bucks County Community College (Bucks), recently penned a farewell to Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, who has been President of Bucks for nine years and plans to retire in June 2021.