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."
A community college has long been recommended in Erie County to fill a gap in the region’s education continuum and serve as a resource to local employers, especially manuf...
As Erie Times-News reporter Matthew Rink detailed, the state last fall authorized $10 million in the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for Erie County’s proposed co...
Tom Hagen's op-ed in support of the community college.
...The Special Committee of the State Board of Education (Board) established to facilitate the Board's consideration of the plan submitted by Erie County seeking to establish the E...
The state’s application review process could take up to a year, officials have said.
...A community college plan developed by nonprofit Empower Erie over the past several months now becomes the formal application for the new school that coul...
This past year, our county embarked on a familiar journey toward the establishment of a community college. With the backing of Erie’s philanthropic community and County Ex...
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...