HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded more than $56 million to 13 community colleges across the Commonwealth to fund critical capital projects ranging from deferred maintenance and HVAC upgrades to major renovations and accessibility improvements.
The funding will support short-term and long-term debt service projects, capital leases, and cash capital improvements intended to modernize aging facilities and strengthen campuses that serve thousands of students each year.
“Pennsylvania’s community colleges offer affordable pathways for learners to pursue higher education, earn credentials, and enter the workforce on their own terms,” said Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe. “This funding ensures that our Commonwealth’s community college campuses are safe, welcoming, and state-of-the-art, creating flexible and innovative 21st Century learning environments for all students.”
The awards are designed to help colleges address high-priority workforce facility needs, construct or renovate buildings to serve growing student populations, complete major repairs and deferred maintenance, and bring facilities into compliance with ADA, code, and life safety requirements.
Among the largest awards, Bucks County Community College received $12.5 million for deferred maintenance, while the Community College of Philadelphia was awarded $10 million for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure upgrades. Harrisburg Area Community College received more than $6.4 million for deferred maintenance and roof restoration projects, and Northampton Community College secured $5.6 million for renovations to its Learning Commons and expansion of its Luthier Lab.
Other funded projects include HVAC replacements, roof repairs, laboratory renovations, parking lot improvements, and student space expansions at colleges in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Erie, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, Reading, and Westmoreland counties.
State officials said the investments reflect the central role community colleges play in workforce development, technical education, and economic growth. These institutions provide associate degrees and certificate programs, support dual enrollment for high school students, offer workforce and public safety training, and serve as transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities.
The funding builds on broader efforts by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to strengthen higher education infrastructure and ensure campuses remain equipped to meet evolving academic and workforce demands across Pennsylvania.
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