The People Behind Possibility | |
Greetings!
This weekend, the DCCC Educational Foundation will welcome more than 180 guests to our annual Scholarship Luncheon, including approximately 140 student scholarship recipients. As we prepare for the event, I am reminded that some of the most meaningful moments in philanthropy happen when students meet the people whose generosity helps them pursue their goals.
Throughout this month's Spark, you'll see examples of those investments in action. From workforce education and student support services to community partnerships and alumni achievement, these stories reflect the many ways the DCCC community comes together to create opportunity and strengthen our region.
Thank you for supporting our students and believing in education's power to change lives.
Gratefully,
Laura E. Chisholm, Ed.D., CFRE
Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Executive Director, DCCC Educational Foundation
| Help Provide the Tools to Turn Dreams into Careers | | |
What happens when students have access to the right training and the right tools?
Thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, DCCC's Tools for Tomorrow initiative is helping equip the Southeast Center with the professional-grade tools, technology, and training spaces students need to enter growing industries.
From culinary arts and healthcare to biotechnology and the skilled trades, students are gaining hands-on experience with the same equipment they will encounter in the workplace.
For DCCC graduate Russell McLarnon, that support extended beyond the classroom. As he prepared to begin his HVAC career, he received a full set of professional tools and work boots.
"They literally give you the tools to succeed," Russell says.
Whether supporting equipment, instructional spaces, student scholarships, or workforce education, philanthropic investment helps ensure students can prepare for family-sustaining careers and meaningful futures. Every gift provides students with access to the tools, technology, and training they need to succeed in today's workforce.
Visit us online or contact Martha Heuser at mheuser1@dccc.edu to learn how you can help to provide DCCC students with the tools to succeed.
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Join us: Delaware County Chamber Coffee Connection
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Experience DCCC's newest location and see firsthand how education, workforce training, and community partnerships are creating opportunity throughout our region.
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will host its November Coffee Connection at DCCC's Southeast Center in Drexel Hill. Guests will enjoy coffee, conversation, networking, and a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facility while learning how DCCC continues to strengthen the workforce and expand educational opportunity throughout our region.
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COFFEE
CONNECTION
EVENT
THURSDAY,
NOVEMBER 5
8 - 10 a.m.
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Join us at DCCC's Southeast Center, the College's newest location in the former Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill. The Southeast Center is a comprehensive multi-use facility that provides affordable and quality education, training and community programs to the region.
We welcome this opportunity to gather, connect and learn how DCCC's nearly 60 years as our community's college has shaped our neighborhoods and continues to power the greater Philadelphia area's workforce.
| | When Life Happens, the DCCC Community Steps Up | | |
Food insecurity, transportation challenges, unexpected expenses, and other obstacles can make it difficult for students to stay on track academically.
Through the Essential Student Resource Center and programs such as Act 101, KEYS, and the Nazz Mariani Veterans Center, DCCC provides resources that help students overcome barriers and persist toward their goals.
The Educational Foundation is proud to support this work through fundraising and philanthropic partnerships that strengthen student success and expand opportunity.
Learn more about these and other support services at DCCC in this recent Delco Today article.
| | DCCC Voted Best of Delco for Adult Learners | | |
Delaware County has spoken! Delaware County Community College has won a 2026 Best of Delco Award and was voted "Best of Delco for Adult Learners" by readers of the Delaware County Daily Times.
DCCC makes education accessible for adult learners through flexible scheduling, convenient locations, online options, and more than 100 degree and certificate programs. Every day, students throughout Delaware and Chester Counties are building new skills, preparing for careers, and pursuing goals that once seemed out of reach.
This recognition reflects the impact that students, employees, community partners, and supporters make every day. Together, we are helping learners of all ages build new skills, pursue new opportunities, and strengthen our region's workforce.
Learn more about DCCC's programs and offerings online.
| | Congratulations to Laura Kasper! | | |
Congratulations to DCCC alumna and former Educational Foundation Board Member, Laura Kasper, President and CEO of Monarch Staffing, on receiving the 2026 ATHENA® Leadership Award from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
Laura has long been a champion for educational opportunity, workforce development, and community engagement. As both a DCCC graduate and former Foundation board member, she has helped strengthen connections between education, employers, and the communities we serve. Her accomplishments reflect the impact DCCC alumni continue to make across our region and beyond.
We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for Laura's longstanding commitment to our community.
More information is available in an article in Delco Today.
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| Phantoms Pride in Action! | | |
As the 2026 Fall and Winter seasons unfold at Delaware County Community College, our student-athletes are proving that success is built on hard work, grit, and unwavering commitment, both in competition and in the classroom. From the soccer pitch and volleyball court to the hardwood and academic halls, the DCCC Phantoms are bringing passion and sportsmanship to every venue!
Men’s Soccer is competing in a challenging NJCAA Region 19 and Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference schedule, demonstrating grit and determination throughout the season.
Women’s Volleyball continues to bring energy, teamwork, and competitive spirit to every match, representing DCCC with excellence both at home and on the road.
Men's Basketball is preparing for the upcoming season with a focus on skill development, conditioning, and building a strong foundation for success.
Support Your Phantoms: Pack the Stands!
College athletics thrive on community support, and our student-athletes need YOU in the stands cheering them on! Whether you’re a student, faculty member, alumnus, or local fan, your support makes a huge difference. Visit the DCCC Athletics webpage for team schedules and home field locations.
Gifts and sponsorships help provide meaningful opportunities that support student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom. Take your Phantom pride to the next level and become a DCCC Athletics Sponsor. To learn more, contact Don Albertson at dalbertson1@dccc.edu or 610-359-5323.
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| Wikipedia Day at DCCC - Nov. 12, 2026 | | |
Q: What is one of the internet’s largest and most consistently reliable information sources?
A: Wikipedia.
Join DCCC Library Services for Wikipedia Day, a special three-part installment of our Next-Gen Digital Literacy Series, on Thursday, November 12th, from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on the Marple campus and Zoom.
Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the three parts of this free, daylong event.
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Get a sneak peek of an upcoming documentary on Wikipedia's volunteer army.
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Hear from Black Lunch Table's Brigitte McQueen and filmmaker Meg Vatterott on the people and principles powering free knowledge.
- Learn how to become a Wikipedia editor yourself in a workshop open to everyone.
The Educational Foundation is proud to support programs like Wikipedia Day that bring students, educators, and community members together to explore ideas, strengthen digital literacy, and engage in lifelong learning.
More information and free Zoom registration.
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| DCCC Alumni: Don't Forget to Complete your Survey! | | |
DCCC alumni play an important role in the College's story, and we are seeking feedback to help guide future alumni engagement initiatives.
If you are a graduate of Delaware County Community College, please take a few moments to complete our Alumni Survey and help shape future programming, communications, and opportunities to stay connected.
Complete the DCCC Alumni Survey today.
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Behind every scholarship, workforce initiative, emergency assistance program, and success story featured in this issue is someone who chose to invest in a student's future.
Your support helps provide scholarships, workforce education, emergency student assistance, and other programs that remove barriers and expand opportunity for DCCC students.
Make a gift today and help change lives across Delaware and Chester Counties.
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