FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2026

Contact:
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881

PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle Parker and Councilmember At-Large Katherine Gilmore Richardson joined leadership from Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and the United States Navy on Monday, March 23, to celebrate the inaugural graduating class of CCP’s Naval Welding and Nondestructive Testing programs. The event also marked the unveiling of the College’s new state-of-the-art welding lab at the Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) in West Philadelphia, expanding access to hands-on training in Advanced Manufacturing.

Launched in October 2025 through a U.S. Navy-funded partnership with BlueForge Alliance, the programs graduated 22 students: 12 in Nondestructive Testing and 10 in Naval Welding; each prepared with industry-recognized skills for high-demand careers.

“It is a profound honor to celebrate our inaugural cohort of graduates, trailblazers who have completed these rigorous, future-focused Advanced Manufacturing programs,” said CCP President Dr. Alycia Marshall. “These graduates are not merely entering the workforce; they are stepping into essential careers that power our economy, strengthen our national security, and sustain our communities. Through CCP’s Naval Welding and Nondestructive Testing programs made possible in partnership with the U.S. Navy, we are expanding access to opportunity, equipping students with world-class skills, and building a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the critical demands of shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing. This is the power of collaboration in action, and we invite others to join us in advancing this shared mission and shaping a stronger future.”

Following the ceremony, CCP unveiled its newly completed welding lab, where students will continue to train on cutting-edge equipment as part of their education. The Advanced Manufacturing initiative positions CCP at the forefront of workforce training, with Naval Welding and Nondestructive Testing serving as critical pathways into high-demand careers. In the Greater Philadelphia region, welders earn an average of $54,000 annually, while nondestructive testing specialists earn approximately $77,000.

“This is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we come together to support our young people,” said Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. “When we provide opportunities to build technical skills, connect them to stable, family-sustaining careers, and set them up, not just to succeed, but to truly thrive, it strengthens our communities and our entire city.  It is why I have been proud to publish the Apprenticeship Guidebook each year and have continued to lead on workforce development and expanding career pathways for our young people.”

"This state-of-the-art welding lab at Community College of Philadelphia's Career and Advanced Technology Center is more than just a training facility; it is the forge where the future of American shipbuilding is being created,” said Joshua Sturgill, submarine industrial base program analyst at the U.S. Department of the Navy. “Here, we are equipping a new generation of skilled artisans with a foundation in the advanced welding techniques required to construct the most complex vessels ever conceived – our nation's submarines. This partnership with the U.S. Navy is a direct investment in our national security, ensuring that the critical skills needed to maintain our maritime superiority are honed right here where the Navy was born: Philadelphia.”

The complete list of speakers at the graduation and ribbon cutting ceremony included Cherelle Parker, mayor of the City of Philadelphia; Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Philadelphia Councilmember At-Large; Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of Community College of Philadelphia; Harold T. Epps, chair of the CCP Board of Trustees; Dr. Lisa Sanders, interim provost and vice president of Academic and Student Success at CCP; Joshua Sturgill, submarine industrial base program analyst at the U.S. Department of the Navy; and Donvail Gray Wilson, Naval Welding graduate and class valedictorian.

The Naval Welding Institute serves as an execution partner in this effort. More information about these programs and opportunities to enroll is available at CCP’s website at ccp.edu/navy.

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About Community College of Philadelphia 

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For 60 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 700,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.

Students in the inaugural cohorts of Community College of Philadelphia’s Naval Welding and Nondestructive Testing programs attended a tour and site visit of Hanwha Philly Shipyard Feb. 17. Hanwha Philly Shipyard (formerly Philly Shipyard, Inc.) is a leading U.S. shipbuilder pursuing a mix of commercial and government work, ranging from shipbuilding to repair and maintenance. Interested students can apply to their apprenticeship program following completion of their certification from CCP.

During the visit, students saw the ins and outs of the shipbuilding projects currently underway at the Navy Yard. Seeing the work up close proved to be eye-opening for many of them. “Seeing the scale of the shipyard operations was really stunning, especially learning about the welding and shipbuilding work that goes into maintaining large vessels,” said Kasim Washington, a Welding student. “What stood out to me most was how many different skilled trades work together there. It made me even more excited about the possibility of working at the Navy Yard and being part of that kind of team environment.”

Many of the students in the program are drawn to the team environment that Kasim is talking about. They like the idea of being a part of something much bigger than themselves. “With the state of global events, America needs more welders,” said Myjia Barrett, another student in the Welding cohort. “For me, it's exciting that the work that we'll be doing—thanks to the Naval Welding program—directly contributes to our country's success.”

Being able to see this work helped give perspective to the students who might potentially find lifelong careers in Naval Welding. “This program shows students that a meaningful career in advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding is within reach,” said Dr. Djuradj Babic, associate provost of Workforce Development at CCP. “When they meet employers and see the work firsthand, the path from training to career becomes clear.”

For Hanwha, site visits are an important way to showcase the possibilities they can offer students. “Seeing the Shipyard up close allows students to connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world applications,” said Pedro Velis, director of Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. “And, we hope it inspires them to see the exciting and meaningful career opportunities available at Hanwha Philly Shipyard.”

CCP will celebrate the first cohort of 22 graduates from the Naval Welding and Nondestructive Testing programs during a graduation ceremony on March 23. As part of the celebration, elected officials will be on campus to congratulate them and cut the ribbon on the new state-of-the-art welding lab at the Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC).

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.

“It was like a renaissance pretty much for me,” said Quy Dahn, a Culinary Arts student who is graduating this semester. Quy participated mainly in the Pork Day competition. Two teams of four CCP students each walked on stage with no idea what they were about to cook and serve, just an assumption that it would involve pork, given the day’s theme. “So, you had no like plan going in. You're just like, ‘Let's put something together.’”

Both teams worked together to think quickly and create a dish for a panel of judges. “It was only a 30-minute-long competition...[we had to] look at everything we had and decide, ‘Hey, what can we do with this?’” said student Aedan Young. Aedan enjoyed the challenge of having to think creatively with his team under pressure.

For all of the students involved and their instructors who accompanied them, the spirit of teamwork was the most rewarding part of the day. “I think working with their peers, not in the classroom setting, and also getting to work with the chef, not in the classroom setting...I think that was important,” said Chef Tonii Hicks, one of the CCP instructors who brought students to the Farm Show. “I love the teamwork. I love the sportsmanship. I loved all of those things and seeing their creativity.”

In addition to the cooking competition, the students were also paired with a chef to shadow during the day. “So, the students were prepping samples to give out to all the guests at the farm show,” Chef Tonii said. Each student got the opportunity to work directly with this chef to prepare their original recipe. The chef chose a blueberry sausage recipe and shared his knowledge with the students. “He helped explain his process of why he added certain things in,” Aedan said.

An experience like the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s cooking competition is a valuable one for students, pushing them out of their comfort zones and encouraging them to work together as they would in a real restaurant setting. Chef Tonii is hopeful that the program will continue to bring students back to the Farm Show each year.

Asha Jones, Nursing Class of 2021, completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is now working as a float nurse at Jefferson Hospital and as a visiting lecturer at CCP, all before age 25. When she first started taking classes at CCP, Asha had no idea she would end up back at the College just a few years later, this time, as an instructor.

"It's just been a full circle moment for me, because I'm literally only 24,” Asha said. “So, I started at CCP, became a nurse, graduated with my master's, and now I'm back to teach in the same program that I started from.” Asha is proud of the education she received at CCP. “I feel like CCP's Nursing program really prepared you for real-world nursing,” she said. “I feel like they give you the tools that you need to be a great and competent nurse.”

Asha is also grateful for the connections she made here. “I feel like the people that you meet when you're here, because it's so diverse, you kind of cling to those people and you get each other through your program,” she said. “My instructors, I feel like they were very helpful to me, and they pushed me, especially when you don't see it in yourself to pass a test or something. They give you that motivation.”

Dr. Lisa Johnson, professor and department head of Nursing, has been particularly helpful and supportive for Asha. “And when I say she's just been a great help to transition into me teaching, like she's just advocating for me and just like seeing things in me that I don't even see in myself,” Asha said. Dr. Johnson’s encouragement for Asha is a great example of the kind of mentorship and genuine care that many CCP faculty give to their students, beyond their time here at the College.

As for the future of CCP, Asha hopes to see it continue to grow and offer even more to its students. She is grateful for what the College has given her and hopes students continue to take advantage of those same opportunities for generations to come. “Soak it all in, take it all in, and do not say no to any opportunities,” she said. “You never know where it's going to get you.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2026

Contact:
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881

Cost per credit hour will increase from $159 to $174. Fees to remain flat.

PHILADELPHIA – The Community College of Philadelphia Board of Trustees approved plans to increase the College’s tuition for the first time in nine years. Beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, the cost per credit hour will increase from $159 to $174, signifying a $15 adjustment. Student fees will remain unchanged.

The decision follows extensive financial analysis, cost-control efforts and the strategic use of College reserve funds to maintain operations and minimize the impact on students. The increase reflects several factors, including rising operating costs, flat public funding in an inflationary environment and sustained enrollment growth that requires additional investment in faculty, facilities, and student support services.

“We do not make this decision lightly,” said CCP President Dr. Alycia Marshall. “This adjustment reflects our responsibility to balance access and affordability with long-term fiscal sustainability. After nine years without a tuition increase, and in a climate of rising costs and flat public investment, this step ensures that Community College of Philadelphia can continue fulfilling its mission of providing high-quality, accessible education to Philadelphia residents for years to come.”

Approximately 60% of CCP students receive Federal Pell Grant funding, which will continue to cover the cost of tuition for eligible students even with the increase.

As the highest enrolled community college in the commonwealth, the College serves more than 21,000 students annually and has worked diligently to manage increasing operational costs while expanding services and academic opportunities. Even with this increase, CCP’s tuition will remain in the middle range among Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges based on currently available data. Several peer institutions across the Commonwealth have increased tuition in recent years and are expected to do so again this year.

The Board of Trustees views the adjustment as a last-resort measure necessary to preserve academic quality, student services, and the long-term stability of the institution.

“Even with this increase, the first in nine years, Community College of Philadelphia remains the most affordable higher education option in the region,” said Harold T. Epps, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Our priority is to keep education accessible while ensuring the College remains financially strong and able to serve future generations of students.”

The College remains committed to supporting students as costs rise. CCP will continue expanding institutional aid and scholarships, strengthening payment plan options, increasing fundraising and corporate partnerships and advocating for increased public investment alongside the Student Government Association and the Faculty and Staff Federation. The College will work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to advocate for increased city and state funding.

CCP staff will be available to assist students and families with questions about the tuition change and available financial support.

Reasons for proposed tuition increase

Rising operating costs
Community College of Philadelphia continues to face inflationary pressures across utilities, technology, insurance, facilities maintenance, and contracted services. In addition, the recently concluded Collective Bargaining Agreement reflects the College’s commitment to fairly compensating faculty and staff, resulting in necessary recurring cost increases that support both employees and the student experience.

Flat public funding
City and state appropriations have remained largely flat. In an inflationary environment, flat funding results in a decrease in real dollars available to support the College’s operations. Federal pandemic-era grants that previously supported enrollment recovery and stabilization are also diminishing or sunsetting. Responsible governance requires the College to address these funding gaps. Because CCP’s funding model relies heavily on tuition revenue, adjustments are necessary to offset stagnant public funding.

Associated costs with enrollment growth
CCP has experienced steady enrollment growth since the 2022–23 academic year. Total enrollment for 2024–25 exceeded 21,000 students, representing an 8 percent increase compared with 2022–23. While enrollment growth reflects the College’s mission and impact, it also brings additional costs. Increased enrollment requires more course sections, additional faculty capacity, expanded advising and student support services, and increased use of technology, instructional materials, and campus facilities. Sustaining this growth requires additional resources to ensure students continue receiving a high-quality educational experience.

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About Community College of Philadelphia 

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For 60 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 700,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.Cost per credit hour will increase from $159 to $174. Fees to remain flat.

From a student athlete at CCP and Temple to a career in the NBA, where he played for the 76ers among other teams, Ollie Johnson returned to the College in 1991 as the assistant director of Athletics, where he had the opportunity to help students acquire the same skills at CCP that had shaped his journey. As part of the 1969 CCP championship team that won both the Eastern Pennsylvania Community College Athletic Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Junior College Conference, Ollie honed his leadership and teamwork skills while at the College.

Promoted to the director of Athletics until his retirement in 2011, Ollie helped guide the paths of students for 20 years in this role, as the co-founder of the African American Men’s Book Club, and collaborating with colleagues to provide educational services, health screenings and workshops to students. He also conducted basketball and tennis clinics and worked as a coach for the 76ers Summer Hoops Tour. In 2004, he received the College’s Alumni Achievement Award.

Ollie shared his knowledge and wisdom with students and co-workers, helping advance the College and its mission of serving and educating the community.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 20, 2026

Contact:
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881

Community College of Philadelphia announces $2M Health Care Simulation Lab 
The state-of-the-art simulation lab mirrors today’s clinical environments, providing students an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania State Rep. Regina Young and Philadelphia City Councilmember At Large Dr. Nina Ahmad joined Community College of Philadelphia for a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the College’s newly-built Health Care Simulation Lab. The ceremony took place today, Feb. 20, in the West Building on CCP’s Main Campus.

The $2 million, 3,400+ square-foot Health Care Simulation Lab is modeled after modern clinical environments, providing students an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

"Our new Health Care Simulation Lab reflects Community College of Philadelphia's commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled, compassionate health care professionals, " said CCP President Dr. Alycia Marshall. “With expert faculty, advanced learning environments and strong clinical partnerships, this facility ensures that our students are ready to deliver high-quality care across the region."

The simulation lab has two medication rooms, a nursing station, and six patient rooms. Patient rooms include two medical surgical rooms, a critical care room, two maternity rooms—one of which is a high-risk maternity room—and a community room.

Realistic patient mannequins mimic various medical scenarios, including critical emergencies, childbirth, injuries, and more. Mannequins can even communicate with students in multiple languages.

“In the safety of the simulation setting, students can build confidence, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and reinforce clinical decision making,” said Dr. Lisa Johnson, professor of Nursing and head of the Department of Nursing at CCP. “Nursing students can care for multiple patients from birth to death and follow those patients in real time from an ICU to a home setting.”

The Health Care Simulation Lab will allow students to perform assessments, administer medications, document care, and perform blood transfusions, catheterization, tube feedings, chest tube care, CPR, and more. Students will encounter everything from minor complications to critical situations, and instructors will be able to provide instant feedback.

“We are so proud to offer this state-of-the-art simulation lab to our students,” said Dr. Vishal Shah, dean of Math, Science and Health Careers at CCP. “We are empowering the health care professionals of tomorrow to provide high-level, compassionate care for our family, friends and neighbors throughout Philadelphia and beyond.”

The complete list of speakers at today’s ceremony included Regina Young, Pennsylvania State Representative; Dr. Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember At Large; Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of Community College of Philadelphia; Dr. Lisa Johnson, professor of Nursing and head of the Department of Nursing at CCP; Dr. Vishal Shah, dean of Math, Science and Health Careers at CCP; and Nursing students Sheridan Salazar and Jose Rosario.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees were offered tours of the simulation lab. The Health Care Simulation Lab was supported by a U.S. Department of Education Perkins Grant administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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About Community College of Philadelphia 

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For 60 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 700,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.