February 29, 2024 - Reading, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin toured Reading Area Community College (RACC) with Senator Judy Schwank to learn how RACC is giving students the freedom to chart their own course to successful careers and addressing critical workforce needs - like the lack of nurses - in Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro and his Administration are currently working with higher education institutions and leaders to build out the Governor's new blueprint for higher education. After today's tour, the Governor and local leaders highlighted the need to take action and create more opportunities for Pennsylvania students, giving them the freedom to chart their own course while driving economic growth and prosperity for our Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro and Secretary Mumin highlighted RACC's focus on high-need fields like nursing and its commitment to serving first-generation students, especially from Pennsylvania's growing Latino community. "After 30 years of disinvestment, too many of our colleges and universities are running on empty, and not enough students have affordable pathways through college and into good jobs. Pennsylvania currently ranks 49th for state investment in higher education, and 48th in higher education affordability. I want to be number one on that list - not number 49," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "My blueprint for higher education will create opportunity for Pennsylvania students and families and drive economic growth and prosperity in our communities. I know some folks look at my plan and say it's too bold and that we can't afford it right now. But I say we can't afford not to invest right now - we have a $14 billion surplus, and we are facing real challenges in education and with our workforce that will hold us back in the future if we don't take action right now. It's time to build on this new blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania and leave a lasting legacy on this Commonwealth."List of SpeakersDr. Susan Looney, President of Reading Area Community CollegeSenator Judy SchwankJonathan PensadoPennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid MuminWilfri Pena-RodriguezGovernor Josh Shapiro
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