HARRISBURG, PA — In an exciting move that stands to benefit thousands of public servants across the state, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has joined forces with York College of Pennsylvania. The partnership offers employees within approved Commonwealth agencies a tuition discount of up to 15 percent for the college’s graduate and professional programs.
This collaboration underscores York College’s commitment to addressing the educational needs of local communities and the entire region. “It’s a win-win situation as both parties work to impact the Commonwealth positively,” said York College President Thomas Burns.
The discount aims to make high-quality education and professional development opportunities more accessible to the state’s workforce. This could pave the way for their career growth, enhance their public service contributions, and help secure a better financial future for their families.
Pennsylvania Office of Administration Secretary Neil Weaver echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how this initiative complements the already substantial educational benefits available to Commonwealth workers. “This collaboration with York College of Pennsylvania adds to the robust education benefits available to Commonwealth workers,” he said.
York College boasts a diverse range of graduate degree and professional certificate programs tailored for working professionals. Taught by expert faculty, these programs are offered in flexible online formats, allowing students to further their education without disrupting their busy personal and professional lives.
The agreement will apply to a variety of graduate and professional programs, including public policy, business administration, accounting, nursing, education, and more.
More than 70,000 Commonwealth employees now have the option to choose from over 30 fully online graduate and professional degrees and certificates, according to Dr. Josh DeSantis, Assistant Provost for Graduate and Professional Programs at York College.
“Our programs are very well-aligned to the learning needs of commonwealth employees,” DeSantis said. “Whether seeking to develop policy-making expertise, leadership skills, or level up their career, we have a program that can help commonwealth employees reach their goals.”
The potential implications of this partnership are significant. By reducing the financial barriers to higher education and professional development, Pennsylvania is investing in its workforce in a way that could yield long-term benefits for the state. As more public servants gain advanced skills and knowledge, the quality of public service could improve, leading to positive outcomes for communities across Pennsylvania.
Furthermore, by encouraging continual learning and professional growth, the Commonwealth is setting an example for other states and private sector employers. This innovative approach to workforce development underscores the importance of education in supporting economic growth and public service excellence. It’s a model that could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere, potentially transforming how employers think about investing in their employees’ education and professional development.
In short, this partnership between York College and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not just a boon for public servants. It’s a testament to the power of education and a promising sign of Pennsylvania’s commitment to its workforce.
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