Community College of Philadelphia to Meet on Capital Steps Community Colleges Statewide Seek Adequate Funding

On May 11 at 11:00 a.m. Community College of Philadelphia will meet on the front steps of the State's Capitol to ask for full funding to meet the growing needs of all 14 community colleges statewide.

Students, faculty and staff will ask legislators to meet the statutory obligation to fund every student taught.

Community college enrollment rises in response to difficult economic times. Many adult students and laid off workers have been attending to earn a degree or certificate and enhance their marketability in the workplace.

Despite this growth, Community College of Philadelphia and all other community colleges in Pennsylvania have received a decrease in funding. Results of the funding cut include increased tuition and fees for students who often are already experiencing difficult financial situations.

Tuition at Community College of Philadelphia will rise to $97 per credit hour with an increase in fees for most classes. New fees will be implemented and 13 positions will be abolished. Programs will be discontinued and course offerings reduced.

Governor Rendell has proposed a 5% increase next year, however this would be on top of a funding deficit, which will only perpetuate the deficit.

Community College of Philadelphia's graduating class of 1,808 was the largest in the College's 38 year history. Among the graduates, 778 are over the age of 30 and 388 are over 40. These factors combined with an increased enrollment of 46,000, means that the possibility of such a reduction in funding comes at a time when Philadelphians can least afford it and the College needs it most.