Delaware County Times Letters: Adults need education, too

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To the Times:

As this year’s 2010 Governor’s Conference on Higher Education is held in Lancaster, it is important to remember that recent high school graduates are not the only group in need of higher education.

Since two-thirds of the 2020 work force has already exited high school, the needs of adult students must be considered as well. We urge state and local governments, school districts and community colleges to explore how best to work with adult students so they can earn the wages and education they need.

As we note in our new report, “Pennsylvania’s Workforce: The Role of Community Colleges,” affordable educational opportunities through community colleges and work force development agencies must continue to be made affordable and accessible to workers across Pennsylvania.

Many local work-force investment boards are looking at ways to extend new educational opportunities to workers and the unemployed by increasing the eligibility limits for services, while community colleges are also finding new ways of serving students. With collaboration from state and local government as well as recognition of the programs that are working best in Pennsylvania, there are many opportunities for workforce success.

Those who are interested in learning more about “Pennsylvania’s Workforce: The Role of Community Colleges” can find it on our website, www.pathwayspa.org.

CAROL GOERTZEL
President/CEO,
Pathways PA

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