Empower will conduct 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. Empower Erie estimates that the feasibility study will be completed and all materials prepared by June 1, 2017.
The studies and plans 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.
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.
...Thursday evening event gives business, community leaders an opportunity to learn more about the community college proposal.
...At more than 200 campuses, more than half of incoming students must take remedial courses.
...Empower Erie officials believe there could be opportunities to work with the rural college if the local community college happens.
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