In a recently published article, a New York Times contributor illustrates how, with proper funding, two-year public colleges can retrain or upskill millions of people, writing, "Community colleges could bridge the gap, partnering with employers and innovators in the private sector to train workers for careers that meet local needs and pay middle-class wages."

This week is National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. That is one reason why Bucks County Community College is offering free classes to help adults prepare to take the high school equivalency exam starting October 6. The no-cost classes are open to Pennsylvania residents aged 18 and older.

Northampton Community College and Lehigh Carbon Community College. among other Pennsylvania community colleges, offer retraining programs for displaced workers, in partnership with the local Careerlink and Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. Tuition assistance is also available, based on eligibility.

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.