PA Commission for Community Colleges

09/25/2026

60 years ago this week, "Cherish" by The Association was the #1 song in America, the Chevy Camaro was rolling into showrooms, and the very first students arrived on campus at Butler County Community College!

As the first Pennsylvania community college established west of Harrisburg, BC3 opened its doors on September 26, 1966, to 431 brave "Pioneers." Fast forward six decades, and over 27,500 students have walked those same paths toward a brighter future.

Across Pennsylvania, our community colleges have always been powered by the strong bond between local campuses and the communities that support them.

Happy 60th Anniversary to our friends at BC3! Here’s to the next 60 years of pioneering success.

(Photos courtesy of Butler County Community College)

09/24/2026

A vibrant campus life goes hand-in-hand with academic success—and Pennsylvania’s community colleges prove that every single day.

We’re thrilled to highlight our member college, Reading Area Community College (RACC), as the 2026-27 performance season at the Miller Center for the Arts (Reading Area Community College). Located right on RACC’s campus, the 500-seat theater brings world-class dance, live music, Broadway, and family programming to downtown Reading.

At PACCC, we firmly believe that arts and culture are vital components of a comprehensive education. Venues like the Miller Center enrich the student experience, foster creative expression, and bring the broader community together.

Discover how RACC is providing a full college experience—and check out the newly announced season line-up on their website.

09/23/2026

Pennsylvania’s community colleges aren't just place-based educational institutions—they are vital workforce response engines.

Congratulations to HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College on receiving a $60,000 Opioid Remediation Grant from Dauphin County! This funding will directly support students training to become Certified Recovery Specialists.

By partnering with county leadership and local organizations, HACC is creating affordable, direct pathways into essential support roles that help rebuild lives and strengthen families across Central PA.

Thank you to Dauphin County for investing in local talent, and kudos to HACC for leading the way!

09/19/2026

Great news for our campuses and our communities!

The Shapiro Administration has announced more than $25 million in capital grants to fund major renovations and infrastructure projects across 14 Pennsylvania community colleges!

Whether it's updated tech labs, modern safety improvements, or campus upgrades, these dollars directly enhance the hands-on learning environments our students rely on every day.

Our 15 community colleges serve as the largest provider of public postsecondary education and workforce training in PA—and state investments like this ensure our students learn in facilities that mirror today's workforce demands.

Thank you to Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Education for investing in our students' futures!

You can find the full breakdown of projects funded across the Commonwealth in the release, available at the link in our profile!

09/17/2026

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a standard tool in higher education and the modern workplace. Rather than banning these technologies, colleges are actively building AI literacy programs that train students to use them ethically and effectively.

A recent TribLive article highlights this transition across Western Pennsylvania, featuring insights from faculty at PACCC member college CCAC (Community College of Allegheny County) English professor Melissa Hrico stresses that while AI can serve as a helpful tutor or editing aid, human discretion and original thinking remain irreplaceable: "Humans come up with stronger, more creative ideas."

From a career and academic advisory perspective, this balance is crucial. Today’s graduates will enter an AI-augmented job market where success depends on mastering new tools while demonstrating strong critical thinking, ethics, and clear communication.

PACCC is dedicated to supporting our member campuses as they equip students with the skills and judgment needed for the future of work.

Read the full article on TribLIVE:

Colleges are finding that an outright ban of artificial intelligence in writing assignments is a losing game. But at the same time, they may be able to find middle ground in outlining how students can best use the emerging technology. “Initially, AI was feared. How do we prevent the use

09/15/2026

When community college students are supported inside and outside the classroom, graduation rates rise and local communities thrive.

Delaware County Community College is setting a great example across PA with their comprehensive Student Resource Center and student support initiatives.

Whether a student needs help with: Emergency transportation assistance (SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) key cards & ride credits); essential food pantry items, toiletries, and school supplies; textbook loan programs & free technology access codes; or customized academic coaching, KEYS support, and Act 101 counseling, DCCC is making sure no student has to choose between basic needs and their education.

Read the full story from Delco Today: https://delco.today/2026/09/delaware-county-community-college-student-support-services/

09/15/2026

The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania to launch the Penn-CCP Entrepreneurship Academy, aFREE 10-week program designed to help local business owners grow, hire, and scale!

Hosted at CCP’s Career and Advanced Technology Center, this program gives West Philly entrepreneurs access to top-tier expertise from Penn faculty and business leaders, hands-on strategic tools, and a network of fellow founders.

Who is it for?

West Philadelphia business owners looking to grow their revenue to $1M–$10M over the next three years.

Cost: Free!

Priority Application Deadline: October 1

Community colleges are the engine of local workforce development and community wealth creation, and this partnership is a perfect example of that mission in action.

Know a business owner in West Philly looking to take their operations to the next level? Share this link with them: ccp.edu/penn-ccp

Read more at: https://www.phillytrib.com/penn-ccp-launch-academy-for-business-owners-in-west-philadelphia/article_52f67261-c15b-483d-9063-0b3d6e73b7c7.html

09/08/2026

Great news for workforce development in Pennsylvania!

Four PA community colleges have been awarded PAsmart Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants to expand critical career training programs:

Luzerne County Community College, Bucks County Community College, and Lehigh Carbon Community College are joining forces to launch a 4-day fiber optics training initiative. Graduates will earn industry-recognized, stackable credentials that lead directly to high-paying jobs in digital infrastructure.

Montgomery County Community College is expanding hands-on instruction, equipment, and resources for welding and construction trades through partnerships with local Career and Technical Centers (CTCs).

By partnering with local CTCs and industry leaders, our colleges continue to create direct pathways from the classroom to rewarding, high-demand careers across the Commonwealth.

Learn more about this grant funding: https://conta.cc/46eT4Xl

09/03/2026

When local industry needs a skilled workforce, Pennsylvania’s community colleges answer the call!

Four students at Westmoreland County Community College put 15 weeks of intensive culinary training to the test by preparing an incredible from-scratch showcase luncheon. But the real accomplishment went beyond the menu—it was about building confidence, career opportunities, and real-world skills.

In partnership with Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc., Westmoreland developed the Introduction to Culinary Entrepreneurship course to help spark job growth and empower workers in the region. Led by Westmoreland alum Chef "G" Greg Nemchick, students learned food safety, commercial kitchen operations, and business fundamentals.

Thanks to WCCC, these students are ready for what’s next.

Read more about how PA community colleges transform lives and strengthen local economies:

After a 15-week educational program, four Westmoreland County Community College culinary students prepared a luncheon.

09/03/2026

Over 90% of Pennsylvania’s fire companies are staffed entirely or mostly by volunteers. Across the Commonwealth, local volunteer fire departments serve as the frontline of public safety—yet many face critical workforce shortages and increasing training demands.

That’s why the work happening at Bucks County Community College is so essential.

We congratulate the 19 recent graduates of Bucks County Community College’s Basic Fire Academy! Thank you for your service and commitment to keeping Pennsylvania safe.

Having earned their national certifications at the Lower Bucks Public Safety Training Center, these dedicated men and women—representing volunteer fire departments across Bucks and Montgomery Counties—are ready to protect their neighbors and answer the call.

Thank you to BUCKSCO.Today for recognizing their work and the dedication of the community college to state-of-the-art public safety education.
Learn more about how PA community colleges power first responder education: https://bucksco.today/2026/08/bucks-county-community-college-firefighter-graduation/.

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