The cornerstone of the events was the release of a new statewide survey by Zogby Poll that demonstrates the extraordinary depth of support and great demand that community colleges enjoy in Pennsylvania. CCBC will be holding its 2010 Commencement on May 13 where, as part of the day’s events, local and state legislators will have the chance to meet with College President Dr. Joe D. Forrester about these findings and hear from students whose future has been impacted by the opportunities afforded them at a community college.

      “Today we came to the State Capitol to tell state leaders that without their support, community colleges will be forced to turn away Pennsylvanians who seek education and economic opportunity,” said Dr. Joe D. Forrester, CCBC President. “Turning our backs on those citizens who seek to improve their lives and contribute to their communities is just not an option.”

       “Eight in ten Pennsylvania adults surveyed agree that community colleges should be given more resources, and today we ask our state leaders and those who would seek office to listen to their constituents, who overwhelmingly appreciate, need and expect more from our colleges,” saidDr. Jerry Parker, President of thePennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC).

       Diane Bosak, Executive Director of PACCC, said, “Our 14 community colleges and their nearly 26 campuses and 79 sites are economic engines for Pennsylvania, providing 400,000 people of all ages and walks of life with educational and economic opportunity. Pennsylvania needs its community colleges to educate and prepare students with skills for today’s jobs and a better state economy.”

      This year, community colleges across the state experienced an unprecedented influx of students of all ages seeking access to affordable, quality education as a solution to workforce training, job re-entry and life skills development.  During statewide and local activities, lawmakers, candidates and all state residents were reminded that:

• 1 out of 5 Pennsylvania undergraduates attends a community college.
• Students could choose from almost 1,400 programs of study during the 2009-2010 academic year
• 4 out of 5 students are enrolled in workforce development courses to increase their workforce skills.

      Pennsylvania community colleges make higher education possible for those who would otherwise miss out according to the survey.  

      Alexandra Brooks, a student at CCBC and President of the Student Government Association, agreed with the Zogby’s findings saying, “Community colleges have been the best kept secret in the state. Students like me need local community colleges to offer the affordability, flexibility, opportunity and support to help us get ahead.  We need our elected officials to provide more and better resources to our community colleges. Our state’s investment in us will not be wasted!” 

      “Pennsylvania’s future financial viability is directly impacted by the state’s handling and investment in the community college system,” stated Dr. Forrester.

      After the press conference, elected officials and staffers were visited by members of the community college community. They learned that programs offered at Pennsylvania’s community colleges vary based upon the regional needs of employers and workforce trends, and each year, programs are modified or retired if they are no longer relevant.  For example, during the 2009-2010 academic year a total of 84 new or redesigned programs are being offered.  

      “The number of unskilled jobs in our state has declined steadily over the past several decades.  With this changing work environment there is a greater need for skilled workers with certifications and college degrees,” said Dr. Forrester.

      The Zogby survey also indicated the solid reputation that PA’s community colleges have developed among adults, with about nine in ten expressing a favorable opinion of them. The poll also singles out the importance of the services provided, as nearly all agree that the type of job training and education programs provided by such colleges is important to the economy, with two-thirds in strong agreement.  Training for students who want to go into a career that requires special training but does not require a four-year degree should be of high priority for Pennsylvania’s community colleges, according to nine in ten Pennsylvania residents, with about the same number put a high priority on providing state and local businesses with a trained workforce.

      From now until Election Day, AdvancePA will be educating current policymakers as well as Gubernatorial and Legislative candidates, the media and public about how community colleges support Pennsylvania’s citizens by providing education and skills for a brighter future.  For more information about the AdvancePA campaign, visit: www.advancepa.net.

MEMBER COLLEGES:Community College of Allegheny College, Community College of Beaver County, Bucks County Community College, Butler County Community College, Delaware County Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Luzerne County Community College, Montgomery County Community College, Northampton Community College, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Community College of Philadelphia, Reading Area Community College, Westmoreland County Community College