Armstrong Center for Community Learning

10/14/2026

Stronger Together – Power in Partnership!

The Armstrong Center for Community Learning (ACCL) was honored to be among 57 organizations receiving grant funding at the Armstrong County Community Foundation's Annual Dinner on Tuesday evening!

We are grateful to the Community Foundation for its continued investment in our organization and the Armstrong County community. This year's grant will support our Learning to Earning Pathways Initiative, an effort to expand career exploration, workforce development, and youth leadership opportunities throughout Armstrong County.

With support from the Armstrong County Community Foundation and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the ACCL is adding a full-time Program Coordinator to help connect students and community members with educational and career opportunities. We're particularly excited about developing a countywide youth leadership program that will help young people discover opportunities, build leadership skills, and envision their futures right here in Armstrong County!

ACCL Executive Director Justin Nolder accepted the grant on behalf of the organization. ACCL Board members Dr. Matt Curci, Mary Krauland, Jennifer Palumbo, and Karen Zapp were also among those attending the evening's celebration.

Congratulations to all of the grant recipients, and thank you to the Armstrong County Community Foundation for bringing our community together and demonstrating the power of partnership!

10/12/2026

🎃 👻 Looking for a little history with your Halloween haunts?

Lifelong learning can be a little spooky, too! 🦇

Join local author Ronald Murphy at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek for The Haunted (and Not So Haunted) History of Halloween!

Discover the fascinating folklore, traditions, and history behind one of our favorite holidays—from ancient Celtic celebrations to the ghosts, witches, costumes, and jack-o'-lanterns we know today.

📅 October 26
📍 Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek
🎟️ $10 per person | All ages welcome
🍪 Snacks and refreshments provided

Whether you're a history buff, Halloween enthusiast, or simply curious about the origins of our spookiest traditions, there's something for everyone!

👉 Register at www.armstrongodc.org.

Because learning doesn't have to be scary! 🎃

Explore with local author, Ronald Murphy, The Haunted (and Not So Haunted) History of Halloween on Monday, October 26th at the Outdoor Discovery Center. Register at www.armstrongodc.org

This program explores the origins and evolution of Halloween from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain through the Christian observances of All Hallows Eve and into the modern celebration we know today. Attendees will learn how beliefs about the dead, spirits, witches, ghosts, monsters, and the supernatural became intertwined with seasonal traditions and eventually transformed into popular culture.

This talk will investigate the historical development of Halloween traditions including jack-o'-lanterns, costumes, trick-or-treating, bonfires, divination, haunted houses, witches, black cats, bats, ghosts, and other Halloween symbols. Particular attention will be given to the folklore surrounding the boundary between the living and the dead and humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown.
$10/person
All ages welcome. Snacks & refreshments provided.

10/07/2026

Interested in a career with the Pennsylvania State Police?

The Pennsylvania State Police has opened a new trooper hiring cycle, with applications being accepted through November 27, 2026.

Did you know the ACCL Testing Center in Ford City is an authorized Pearson testing location where eligible PSP applicants can complete the Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB) examination?

Candidates must first apply through the Pennsylvania State Police and receive authorization to test before scheduling their exam through Pearson VUE.

The ACCL Testing Center provides access to this and many other professional, certification and career-related exams right here in Armstrong County.

Learn more about the new PSP hiring cycle in the Leader Times article below. ⬇️

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) opened a new selection cycle for women and men considering a rewarding career as a state trooper, according to a press release. Applicants

10/05/2026

Thank you to the Leader Times for helping us spread the word about the inaugural Armstrong County Scholarship & Financial Aid Fair!

📅 Wednesday, October 21
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Belmont Complex, Kittanning

The free event will connect students, families and adult learners with organizations offering scholarships, financial aid, tuition assistance, education and training opportunities, and other resources to help make education and career training more affordable.

There’s still time for organizations to participate! We’ve extended the exhibitor registration deadline. Scholarship providers, colleges and universities, employers, apprenticeship and workforce training programs, and other organizations offering educational funding or resources are invited to participate at no cost.

Check out the growing list of participating organizations, register as an exhibitor, or preregister to attend at:
www.armstrongcenter.org/accl-events/

And check out the Leader Times coverage of the upcoming fair:
https://www.leadertimes.com/news/accl-to-host-inaugural-armstrong-county-scholarship-and-financial-aid-fair/article_566cb6bc-4ed8-4cb7-b18c-b441df52ad83.html

09/17/2026

📣 We’re Hiring! Join the ACCL Team!

The Armstrong Center for Community Learning is accepting applications for a full-time ACCL Program Coordinator in Ford City, PA.

This new position will help develop and coordinate programs focused on workforce development, career awareness, community education and personal enrichment, while also supporting the ACCL's testing services, marketing and community outreach.

Interested in making a difference through education and lifelong learning in our community?

➡️ View the complete job description at www.armstrongcenter.org.

To apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with someone who may be a great fit for the ACCL!

This position is supported in part by funding from United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

09/14/2026

What a wonderful way to celebrate 25 years of the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek!

The stormy weather didn’t deter our friends and supporters from coming out for Summer’s Last Fling on Saturday. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success.

A special thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, entertainers, community partners, and everyone who contributed raffle baskets and silent auction items. Your generosity and support help the Armstrong Center for Community Learning continue providing environmental education, outdoor recreation, and lifelong learning opportunities at the ODC for thousands of children, families, and community members each year.

Thank you for celebrating this special milestone with us and for continuing to support the Outdoor Discovery Center! 🌿

09/09/2026

The Armstrong Center for Community Learning was pleased to participate in the annual Armstrong High School College & Career Fair this morning!

Hundreds of students from multiple area high schools attended the event to explore college, career, and educational opportunities available after graduation. We enjoyed talking with students about their interests, goals, and plans for life after high school.

At the ACCL table, students learned about:
🎓 Postsecondary scholarships available through the ACCL;
📝 Testing services offered at the ACCL Testing Center, including CLEP exams that provide an affordable way to earn college credit;
💼 Certification and licensure exams that can help students prepare for and advance in their chosen careers;
🌿 Educational programs and opportunities available through the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek.

Thank you to Armstrong Junior-Senior High School for bringing together students, colleges, employers, and community organizations for another great event. We were glad to be part of it and to help students learn about the many pathways available to them after high school!

09/03/2026

Congratulations to Steve and Rita Black, the Outdoor Discovery Center’s 2026 Volunteers of the Year! 🌿👏

Steve and Rita have generously given their time, talents and energy to support the ODC and its mission. Their dedication has helped make the Outdoor Discovery Center a special place for environmental education, recreation and lifelong learning in our community.

We look forward to recognizing Steve and Rita at Summer’s Last Fling on Saturday, September 12. Please join us in celebrating two very deserving volunteers!

🎟️ Learn more and purchase tickets at www.armstrongcenter.org/odc-events/.

09/02/2026

We’re proud to celebrate 25 years of the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek!

Join us on Saturday, September 12 for Summer‘s Last Fling and help support the environmental education programs, camps, field trips, and community experiences that make the ODC such a special resource for our region.

Come enjoy a great evening while supporting the Outdoor Discovery Center. We hope to see you there!

Tickets are available now. See the shared post below for details and the ticket link.

Join us for the fifth annual Summer's Last Fling as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek!

Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food, basket raffles, silent auctions, and family-friendly fun while supporting outdoor education, conservation, and lifelong learning in our community.
Every ticket purchased helps the Outdoor Discovery Center continue providing environmental education, summer camps, homeschool programs, field trips, recreation, and community events for thousands of children and adults each year.

Whether you're returning for another Summer's Last Fling or joining us for the first time, we'd love to celebrate with you!
Tickets:
Adult: $25
Children (5–12): $10
Under 5: Free

Purchase tickets at https://www.armstrongcenter.org/odc-events/
Additionally, paper tickets may be purchased by contacting the Armstrong Center for Community Learning at 724-543-2599, or visiting the ACCL at 104 Armstrong Street, Suite A, Ford City, PA 16226.