DREXEL HILL, PA — A beloved landmark in Delaware County is entering a new chapter. The former Archbishop Prendergast High School, closed in 2012, is being transformed into a multimillion-dollar education and training facility under the leadership of Delaware County Community College (DCCC) and its Educational Foundation. The new Southeast Center, slated to open in spring 2026, will provide equitable access to career-focused education, workforce training, and community programs.
A New Purpose for a Historic Site
Located in the heart of Delaware County, the 118,000-square-foot former Prendie building will be revitalized into a technology-enabled campus designed to meet the region’s evolving workforce needs. The project includes a 30,000-square-foot workforce annex for advanced training in biotechnology, electronics, and technical education. Additionally, a 17,000-square-foot Early Childhood Learning Center will provide affordable childcare and education resources.
For the first time in DCCC’s history, the college’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs will have a permanent home, complete with state-of-the-art kitchens and dedicated teaching spaces.
Investing in Workforce Development
The Southeast Center will offer training in high-demand industries, including:
- Culinary arts and hospitality
- Skilled trades and advanced manufacturing
- Healthcare and biomedical technology
- Early childhood education
By expanding access to both credit and non-credit courses, the facility is expected to help address labor shortages while equipping students with practical, job-ready skills.
Preserving Legacy While Driving Progress
DCCC’s Building Community Campaign is spearheading the capital funding effort, seeking philanthropic support to equip the center with critical furniture, fixtures, and technology. The project also honors the history of the site, working closely with community groups and the Archbishop Prendergast High School Alumnae Association to preserve artifacts and create a tribute space dedicated to the Sisters and educators who shaped generations of students.
Former alumnae like Linda Bullock ’75 and Lindsay Wolf ’98 have been active participants in the transformation. “The building is getting a much-needed and deserved makeover for this new chapter,” Bullock said, noting that today’s Bonner-Prendergast students will benefit directly by gaining access to early college-level courses at the Southeast Center.
A New Hub for Learning and Opportunity
Beyond education, the revitalized facility aims to become a community anchor—providing opportunities for workforce development, local partnerships, and equitable access to resources. With its location near Upper Darby High School, one of DCCC’s largest feeder schools, the center is positioned to serve thousands of students and families across Delaware County.
Once a place that nurtured lifelong friendships and academic success, the former Prendie campus will soon open its doors again—this time as a modern hub for learning, skill-building, and economic opportunity, while keeping its legacy alive for generations to come.
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