March 07, 2024 - West Chester, PA

ADVISORY - During Visit to West Chester University, Governor Shapiro Highlights How Higher Education Blueprint Will Spur Economic Growth and Workforce Development

Governor Josh Shapiro toured West Chester University (WCU) with PDE Deputy Secretary of Education and Higher Education Commissioner Kate Shaw, Representative Chris Pielli, Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, and WCU leadership and students to learn how WCU is giving students the freedom to chart their own course to successful careers and addressing critical workforce needs in Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro met with students from the College of Education and Social Work to learn about how WCU is training students in special education, elementary and middle school education, and music education to prepare the next generation of educators and help rebuild Pennsylvania's teacher workforce.

In January, Governor Shapiro unveiled his blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania - focused on competitiveness and workforce development and grounded in access and affordability. Under the Governor's plan, higher education will serve as an economic driver for Pennsylvania, prepare workers for the future, and address workforce shortages by:

Building a new public system for higher education that unites PASSHE universities and 15 community colleges under a new governance system.

Increasing access and affordability, including ensuring Pennsylvanians making up to the median income pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester at state-owned universities and community colleges.

Reinvesting in our publicly-funded colleges and universities via a predictable, transparent funding formula that will align state dollars with the needs of the Commonwealth.

WCU is helping expand Pennsylvania's education workforce by preparing students for careers in special, music, and elementary and middle school education by offering dual-enrollment classes in teacher education through WCU at no cost and partnering with local school districts to expedite the process for students to become special education teachers.

Speakers Include:
Christopher Fiorentino, President, West Chester University
State Representative Chris Pielli
Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz
Devin Davis, West Chester University Student
Kate Shaw, PDE Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Postsecondary and Higher Education
Cecelia Perrotti, West Chester University Student
Governor Josh Shapiro

• Full Advisory