Many in the state have no access to community colleges
Thank you for your recent coverage regarding the benefits of the Community College of Allegheny County ("Community College Touts Impact on Local Economy," June 1). In it, you note the return on investment received from funding of the college.
It is important to note that, throughout Pennsylvania, not all residents have the opportunities to attend community college or benefit from the economic impact that results. As we note in our new report, "Pennsylvania's Workforce: The Role of Community Colleges," adults in 30 Pennsylvania counties do not have access to a community college campus or learning center.
Perhaps not surprisingly, a large percentage of Pennsylvania adults (many of whom live in counties without community colleges) ended their formal education with a high school diploma or GED. This educational attainment often translates into lower wages and higher unemployment rates, two outcomes that everyone is trying to avoid, especially in this recession.
While community colleges should not be the only training entity available to students, it certainly is and should be a worthwhile option for many Pennsylvanians. Community colleges are integral partners in the development of middle-skills among Pennsylvania workers, and we hope that they are able to remain so in the future.
Those who are interested in learning more about "Pennsylvania's Workforce: The Role of Community Colleges" can find it on our website www.pathwayspa.org.
CAROL GOERTZEL
President and CEO Pathways Pa.
Holmes, Pa.
It is important to note that, throughout Pennsylvania, not all residents have the opportunities to attend community college or benefit from the economic impact that results. As we note in our new report, "Pennsylvania's Workforce: The Role of Community Colleges," adults in 30 Pennsylvania counties do not have access to a community college campus or learning center.
Perhaps not surprisingly, a large percentage of Pennsylvania adults (many of whom live in counties without community colleges) ended their formal education with a high school diploma or GED. This educational attainment often translates into lower wages and higher unemployment rates, two outcomes that everyone is trying to avoid, especially in this recession.
While community colleges should not be the only training entity available to students, it certainly is and should be a worthwhile option for many Pennsylvanians. Community colleges are integral partners in the development of middle-skills among Pennsylvania workers, and we hope that they are able to remain so in the future.
Those who are interested in learning more about "Pennsylvania's Workforce: The Role of Community Colleges" can find it on our website www.pathwayspa.org.
CAROL GOERTZEL
President and CEO Pathways Pa.
Holmes, Pa.