Passing on a Tradition: Valerie and Louise Lanzetta
For mother-daughter duo Valerie and Louise Lanzetta, Community College of Philadelphia has brought opportunities at affordable prices. Valerie was born in Philadelphia and raised in France, but when she returned to the city in her 30s, she wanted to pursue an American college degree. “I did some research, and I found out about CCP. [They had] different time[s] for classes that fit my personal schedule,” Valerie said. Now, Valerie works as a program director and assistant professor of Medical Laboratory Science at Thomas Jefferson University.
Valerie’s daughter, Louise, decided to come to CCP after first attending the University of Pittsburgh for a year. Louise wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her college education at first, so she wanted something more affordable to help her figure it out. “CCP was an affordable option with the ability to take a variety of classes to see what I was interested in,” Louise said. “And my mom recommended it, [so] it was like a no-brainer.” After completing a degree in Liberal Studies, Louise now works as a legal clerk at the Philadelphia Family Court.
Both Valerie and Louise appreciate that CCP offers a high-quality education at an accessible cost. Louise attended a magnet high school before starting college, where many of her peers were slated to attend competitive universities. She shared that she wished someone had told her CCP was an option earlier. “It's a really affordable option, and it's an important resource that the City of Philadelphia has,” Louise said. Valerie’s son and Louise’s brother also attended CCP, graduating from the College in 2025 with an associate degree in Biological Sciences.
Categories: 60th Anniversary, Student Spotlight
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Roary’s Cubhouse Gives Student Parents a Place to Study While Their Children Play
In October 2025, CCP unveiled a new study space made specifically for student parents/caregivers, a project meant to increase belonging and help more students succeed. Located in the Library and Learning Commons on Main Campus, Roary’s Cubhouse is equipped with study materials, desks, and computers for students and toys, games, child-safe furniture, and more for children.
“Roary’s Cubhouse represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting student parents and caregivers,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of Community College of Philadelphia. “This new family-friendly study space is designed to empower students with children to pursue their academic and career goals while managing the responsibilities of parenting. We created this space to provide comfort, connection, and a sense of community—for our students and their young children.”
Parenting students at CCP no longer have to choose between study time and caregiving responsibilities. Students can reserve this space online to use whenever they are on campus.
Dual Enrollment Student Receives Prestigious Scholarship
Julian “Jules” Lees is a high school senior and a dual enrollment student at Community College of Philadelphia through a partnership with MaST Charter schools, allowing him to graduate from high school this May with 69 college credits and an associate degree in Health Care Studies
Culinary Arts Students Take on the PA Farm Show
For the first time, students in the College’s Culinary Arts program participated in the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s PA Preferred Culinary Connection competition. Each year, talented chefs showcase dishes made with PA Preferred and local ingredients at the Farm Show, highlighting the connection between the Commonwealth’s farms and kitchens. Students from schools across the state are also invited to test their skills during daily competitions and challenges. Eight students from CCP were selected to shadow a local chef throughout the day and then compete against each other in a timed competition, “Chopped”-style.