Empower Erie completed a study on the feasibility of creating a stand-alone, comprehensive community college in Erie County, in accordance with the PA Department of Education’s Guidelines, including the preparation of a Community College Plan, Financial impact study, and a communication strategy.
The study will be delivered to County Government with the goal of gaining the assent of County Government to act as the sponsor of the Community College. With support from County Government, the College Plan and other required materials will be submitted to the PA Department of Education for approval. The local funders have indicated that an additional $3.7 million is available to Empower Erie for implementation upon approval of the Community College Plan by the State of PA.
"A collective vision of a better future is gaining traction within key sectors and demographics of the community. This feasibility study contains research that affirms that a stand-alone community college is an essential component of that future. A community college would serve as a catalyst to enhance affordable educational opportunities, spark sustained economic growth, and put Erie on equal footing with many communities throughout the commonwealth and nation that already benefit from a local community college."
County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper will host a series of events featuring County Council members and members of the Empower Erie team at local high schools. The meetings will pro...
Empower Erie has created empowererie.org, and information on the community college effort can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
...Fifty years ago on April 3, the state created a system of community colleges that ushered in dramatic growth in the network of schools that now enroll 300,000 students.
...Community colleges are beginning to receive more attention as students realize they are able to receive certification and degrees in a shorter period of time for less money.
...The survey of 500 randomly-selected Erie County residents was conducted in late February and early March as part a state-required feasibility study.
...Recently I read that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged to cover tuition costs at state colleges for hundreds of thousands of middle- and low-income New Yorkers.
...Our first Empower Hour attracted more than 100 business, non-profit and community leaders in support of an Erie County Community College.
...Thursday evening event gives business, community leaders an opportunity to learn more about the community college proposal.
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