Guest viewpoint: Community college can be an engine of growth
This article was originally published on GoErie.com on December 11, 2016.
This week the Erie Times-News reported on a study of college affordability in Pennsylvania by Research for Action recommending that Pennsylvania expand the number of its community colleges. The study noted that Pennsylvania currently has only 14 community colleges serving an adult population of almost 13 million, giving Pennsylvania the sad distinction of having the lowest rate of community colleges per capita in the country.
Against this backdrop, Erie County represents the most populated region of the state where there is no access to a community college, despite the fact that our state tax dollars support community colleges across the commonwealth. Close to a third of a billion dollars in taxpayer money are being spent on community colleges annually. Erie is getting zero return on that investment.
Community colleges typically provide the most affordable path to a post-secondary education. Some cities have multiple community colleges or even community college systems. The rising cost of a traditional college education has outpaced income growth over the last 15 years and, according to Research for Action, by 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require post-secondary education and training, making the community college option critical to every community.
A community college is not just a more affordable option to those seeking a post-secondary degree. It is a critical engine of economic growth. It focuses on increasing the skill level of the talent pool available to local businesses and industries and nimbly adjusts when a specially trained workforce is in order. Community colleges deliver applied learning in real world settings that enable students to be immediately productive in the workforce.
A community college is unique in that its sole purpose is to address and meet the unique needs of the community it serves. A community college works best as the hub of the wheel connecting all education and workforce development efforts in a cohesive plan to expand post-secondary attainment. It is not obliged to adhere to the economic model of a traditional residential college or university, or the earning demands of a for-profit institution. A community college is flexible and able to embrace collaborative initiatives with other educational institutions and community partners.
Erie has felt the seismic shift of a changing economy, most notably in the loss of family-sustaining manufacturing jobs. The crisis in education funding and spiking poverty rates will leave more of our children less prepared for higher education. A local community college can expand educational attainment opportunities to both laid-off workers in need of retraining and students seeking remedial instruction.
Above all, a community college represents the beating heart of an evolving community. Citizens can use it at night to organize and connect; access computer and research facilities; prepare a resume; develop a business plan; meet other entrepreneurs or learn a new language. It becomes a central gathering spot for young students in pursuit of knowledge and personal advancement and it can provide an open door to a safe and quiet place to study. A community college is a second chance for an adult charting a new course for his future and it can radiate positive energy that lifts up a neighborhood.
Fifteen years have passed since the Economic Development Corporation first made the recommendation that "an innovative community college focused on technology and occupational skills" be created. A 2007 report calling for a community college supported its conclusion by citing poverty data showing that Erie's poverty rate exceeded the national rate by 1 percent. Today Erie's poverty rate is twice the national rate. Empower Erie recognized the urgent need for access to affordable post-secondary education and is honored to be taking a fresh look at the viability of a community college.
Erie is at a precipice as the landscape of our economy is shifting. In its recommendations Research for Action cited Erie as an "encouraging example" as "Erie County Council members have expressed their willingness to create a community college in Erie." Likewise, the commitment of the Erie Community Foundation, Susan Hirt Hagen Fund for Transformational Philanthropy and Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority indicates a focused eye on Erie's future. Being recognized as a region ahead of the curve is an important distinction — one we rarely enjoy.
Ronald A. DiNicola is the Chairman of the Board of the non-profit Empower Erie, recipient of a Shaping Tomorrow grant from the Erie Community Foundation to study the establishment of a community college for Erie. Andre Horton, is the Chairman of Erie County Council who supports Empower Erie and the establishment of a community college in Erie.