Community Colleges
Pennsylvania has 14 public community colleges located throughout the
commonwealth.
Community colleges in Pennsylvania were established in accordance with The
Community College Act of 1963 (Act 484 of 1963).
Community colleges are unique among institutions in Pennsylvania because of
their local support. As a result, they are particularly responsive to the
educational needs of their sponsoring areas. Not only do they provide a
diversity of two-year associate degree and certificate programs in the
occupational and technical areas, they also are an important means of access for
students in the arts, sciences and professions seeking to transfer at the end of
two years to four-year institutions.
Further, community colleges are at the forefront of remedial and
developmental education, dual enrollment opportunities for secondary school
students, workforce development and public safety training. Within their
regional service areas, these institutions have expanded educational
opportunities for individuals from all walks of life and have contributed
significantly to the economic, social and cultural development of their area.