The Beaver County Times covered the recent House Appropriations Committee testimony by community colleges, noting that thousands of Pennsylvanians are facing unemployment. In the article, the Times references statements by Dr. Roger Davis, president of the Community College of Beaver County, who explained how the college crafts programs specifically designed to prepare local residents for jobs in the region.

"In 2018-19, HACC provided workforce training experiences to approximately 22,235 students, many of whom received customized training to meet the needs of their employers," writes Dr. John J. “Ski” Sygielski, president of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, in a recent submission to PennLive.

Yesterday, Lehigh Carbon Community College President Dr. Ann Bieber and Northampton Community College President Dr. Mark Erickson joined Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier to announce a forthcoming program to train adults with some college, but no degree. Community colleges are eager to assist adults who want to pursue completion or upskilling. 

The Daily American recently recapped testimony offered by community colleges before the House Appropriations Committee, citing workforce development as a theme. Rep. Stan Saylor, chair of the Appropriations Committee, said, “You have been meeting the needs of Pennsylvania’s economy with job creation. You’re saving the taxpayers of Pennsylvania a lot of money.”

A group of Westmoreland County Community College nursing students and faculty recently assisted at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Stockdale Fire Hall. The student nurses volunteered to participate in the clinic to gain valuable, hands-on nursing experience and also to help the community.

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.