More state investment in Pennsylvania’s community colleges is needed to help the Commonwealth address its workforce shortages, provide greater opportunities for students, meet employer needs and strengthen our economy. 
Over the past seven years, Pennsylvania’s community colleges received the second-to-lowest cumulative growth in state appropriations for public education institutions, yet collectively the colleges are the largest provider of postsecondary education and workforce training in the state. Underfunding threatens affordability for students and threatens Pennsylvania’s economic vitality. 
The role of community colleges has never been more important. As Pennsylvania seeks to rebuild and grow its economy, it needs the flexible, affordable education and training programs offered by community colleges to ensure Pennsylvanians can gain skills to enter or advance in the workforce. 
Take action now to help ensure that community college remains an accessible and affordable path for Pennsylvanians to receive high-quality postsecondary education and training

Support Community Colleges in the State Budget

Tell the General Assembly to Support Community Colleges in the State Budget

More state investment in Pennsylvania’s community colleges is needed to help the Commonwealth address its workforce shortages, provide greater opportunities for students, meet employer needs and strengthen our economy. 

Over the past seven years, Pennsylvania’s community colleges received the second-to-lowest cumulative growth in state appropriations for public education institutions, yet collectively the colleges are the largest provider of postsecondary education and workforce training in the state. Underfunding threatens affordability for students and threatens Pennsylvania’s economic vitality. 

The role of community colleges has never been more important. As Pennsylvania seeks to rebuild and grow its economy, it needs the flexible, affordable education and training programs offered by community colleges to ensure Pennsylvanians can gain skills to enter or advance in the workforce. 

Take action now to help ensure that community college remains an accessible and affordable path for Pennsylvanians to receive high-quality postsecondary education and training


As the General Assembly considers the state budget for the 23-24 fiscal year, I write to urge you to increase state funding for Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges beyond the proposed 2% increase. More investment is needed to ensure that community college remains an accessible and affordable path for Pennsylvanians to receive high-quality postsecondary education or training, and for the colleges to modernize educational and workforce training facilities that meet student and employer needs. 

Pennsylvania’s community colleges educate more than 230,000 students, serving as the Commonwealth’s largest provider of postsecondary education and workforce training. Many of the students who attend community college come from low-income families and minority or other underrepresented groups, and often are the first in their family to obtain a postsecondary education. 

By attending community college, students obtain a postsecondary credential or degree that increases their economic opportunities and lifetime earning potential, reducing future demand on government social services. Additionally, attending a community college enables students to save tens of thousands of dollars on the cost of obtaining a baccalaureate degree.

The role of Pennsylvania’s community colleges in the Commonwealth’s economic development strategy has never been more important. As the Commonwealth seeks to rebuild and grow its economy, it will need the flexible, affordable education and training programs offered by community colleges to ensure that Pennsylvanians can gain the skills to enter or advance in the workforce.

As Pennsylvania seeks to address unprecedented worker shortages for high priority occupations, community colleges are uniquely positioned to address these shortages as 75% of all community college programs are aligned to a high priority occupation. 

Unfortunately, the positive impact that community colleges have on Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania’s economy is threatened by chronic underfunding. Over the past eight years, Pennsylvania’s investment in community colleges has not kept pace with inflation, rising fixed costs, or other investments in education.  

I urge you to support a higher level of investment in Pennsylvania's community colleges including:
•	More than the proposed 2% increase in state funds for the operation of the community colleges; and
•	15% increase in capital funds to support education and workforce projects at the colleges.

These funds will enable the colleges to continue to provide the high quality academic and workforce programs that Pennsylvania students, communities and employers need. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Dear Office Holder (names will be automatically added on each email),