For Immediate Release

Contact: Anthony Twyman
Public Relations Coordinator
Community College of Philadelphia
Office: (215) 751-8082
atwyman@ccp.edu

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA LAUNCHES NEW BRAND INITIATIVE

PHILADELPHIA, September 12, 2006 - One of the city's best kept secrets is about to step into the spotlight.

Community College of Philadelphia will embark on a new brand initiative, The Path to PossibilitiesT. The College will officially kick off the initiative at 10 a.m., September 20 at the Center for Business and Industry (CBI), 18th and Callowhill streets, where it will unveil the new billboard, radio, television, collateral materials and print advertisements that are the foundation of this integrated marketing effort. This will be the first time in the College's 42 year history that it has initiated a multi-faceted strategic effort to communicate its assets to the public.

The Path to PossibilitiesT is driven by extensive research the College had the CLARUS Corporation conduct on its behalf over the past year. This research shows many area employers are not aware the College can help their bottom lines. Surveys of 400 of the largest employers in Greater Philadelphia showed that many did not know the College offered specialized business training programs.

Long known for its affordability and accessibility, Community College of Philadelphia also offers innovative, professional development courses and customized corporate training programs that link classroom instruction with real world career opportunities.

In addition to The Launch on September 20, there will be something for everyone. At 8 a.m., at the College's CBI, speakers Bruce E. Toll, co-owner and chairman of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News, and David B. Thornburgh, president and chief executive officer of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, will address business trends and the need for a well-trained workforce.

Following The Launch presentation, there will be a Careers of Tomorrow Fair for the youth market where high school students will have an opportunity to tour the College campus, have hands-on demonstrations and get inspired by a local celebrity.

The day will culminate with the Explore Your Possibilities: Open House, Career and Job Fair that will connect residents with employers and enable them to brush up on their business communication and Microsoft Office skills at mini-workshops.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Business Community Breakfast (invitation only), Center for Business and Industry

10:00-10:30 a.m.
"The Launch," CBI
A festive unveiling of a new brand initiative to acquaint the regional business community, civic leaders, students and the general public with the College's courses and programs

10:30a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Careers of Tomorrow Fair, CBI (invitation only)
Providing high school students with career opportunities, tours of the campus and hands-on demonstrations in academic program labs and classrooms

4:30-7:00 p.m.
"Explore Your Possibilities: Open House, Career and Job Fair," CBI
College administrators will provide information about programs, courses, the admissions process and financial aid; hands-on training with helpful hints to enhance the public's Microsoft Office and business communication skills; and local employment opportunities

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road
8:00 a.m. Northeast Chamber of Commerce breakfast (invitation only)
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Open House - high school and college students will receive information about the College's associate's degree programs and financial aid
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mini Job Fair featuring employers such as the Philadelphia Police
Department, the Pennsylvania Armory National Guard, United Parcel Service, the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union and Homestead Senior Care

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23: West Philadelphia Regional Center, 4725 Chestnut Street

9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open House: Education and Career workshops for Adults. Mini-workshops will be held concurrently from 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. on topics such as "Financing Your Education" and "Surviving and Thriving in College"

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: Northwest Regional Center, 1300 W. Godfrey Avenue
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Open House: Education, Access and Persistence Workshops for students from area high schools on topics, such as "How to Stay in College" and "Making Math Fun"