Commission For Commonwealth Universities

Our Mission and Vision

The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges is a volunteer-driven organization that stands as the primary advocate for the state's 15 community colleges. Founded on the belief that these institutions play a vital role in shaping the future of Pennsylvania, the Commission works towards:

• Advancing the common higher education agenda: We champion access to quality, affordable, and equitable postsecondary education, supporting student success and workforce development.
• Promoting research and collaboration: We gather and disseminate data, facilitate data-driven policy decisions, and promote collaborative initiatives across institutions.
• Strengthening workforce development: We advocate for programs and policies that align education with industry needs, ensuring Pennsylvania's workforce is equipped for the future.
• Promoting public understanding: We raise awareness of the essential role community colleges play in strengthening communities and driving economic growth.

Who We Are and What We Do

The Commission is comprised of dedicated volunteers - presidents, board members, and key administrators from Pennsylvania's community colleges. We:

• Provide leadership on critical issues: We advocate for policies that address challenges like access to affordable tuition, student success, and workforce development.
• Share information and resources: We gather and disseminate data, research findings, and best practices to support college leadership and operations.
• Facilitate collaboration: We connect colleges with each other and with other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and resource sharing.
• Conduct advocacy: We represent the collective needs and interests of community colleges to state and federal policymakers.

Our Impact

Through our advocacy, research, and collaborative efforts, the Commission has:

• Promoted policies that strengthened financial aid programs for community college students.
• Increased awareness of the need for workforce development programs aligned with industry demands.
• Facilitated the articulation of credits between community colleges and four-year institutions.
• Championed access to affordable higher education and promoted student success initiatives.