HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has taken a significant step in enhancing the state’s educational infrastructure by awarding over $33 million to 12 community colleges. This funding aims to address both short-term and long-term debt service projects, capital leases, and essential capital projects, all approved by the Commonwealth. The initiative aligns with the Shapiro Administration’s broader efforts to reinvest in the postsecondary system, thereby creating new opportunities for students across the state.
Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin emphasized the administration’s dedication to reversing the trend of underfunding in higher education. He stated, “The Shapiro Administration is committed to reversing decades of disinvestment in our postsecondary education system, and this grant funding will help Pennsylvania’s community colleges update buildings, make improvements, and better serve learners on their campuses.” This financial support is expected to significantly impact the accessibility and quality of education for students, both now and in the future.
Among the beneficiaries, Delaware County Community College received the largest portion, with $10 million earmarked for the second phase of its Southeast Campus development. Montgomery County Community College follows closely with $10.3 million dedicated to campus-wide deferred maintenance. Other notable allocations include $6.5 million for Reading Area Community College’s Student Union Building renovations and $2 million for Northampton Community College’s roof and paving upgrades.
The funds will address a variety of critical needs, from information technology infrastructure at Butler County Community College to campus-wide electrical panel replacements at Harrisburg Area Community College. These projects are designed to accommodate emerging growth, meet workforce facility demands, and ensure compliance with ADA standards.
The awardees are as follows:
- Butler County Community College; $300,000; Information Technology infrastructure improvements
- Community College of Allegheny County; $1.5 million; Milton Hall foundation settlement
- Delaware County Community College; $10 million; Southeast Campus Phase II
- Erie County Community College; $410,000; Campuswide window replacement
- Harrisburg Area Community College; $500,000; Campuswide electrical panel replacement
- Lehigh Carbon Community College; $625,000; Public Safety System improvement
- Luzerne County Community College; $149,023; Campus waterline replacement
- Montgomery County Community College; $10.3 million; Campuswide deferred maintenance
- Northampton Community College; $2 million; Campuswide roof and paving
- PA Highlands Community College; $843,500; Centre County campus expansion
- Reading Area Community College; $6.5 million; Student Union Building renovations
- Westmoreland County Community College; $500,000; PSTC Burn Building renovations
This strategic investment not only aims to enhance physical facilities but also to ensure that Pennsylvania’s community colleges can meet programmatic demands efficiently. By focusing on infrastructure improvements, the state is paving the way for a more robust and accessible educational environment, ensuring that learners have the resources they need to succeed.
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