Empower Erie News & Updates

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.

At more than 200 campuses, more than half of incoming students must take remedial courses.