FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2025

CCP is one of just 830 schools nationwide earning special awards for going above the standard

PHILADELPHIA — Community College of Philadelphia is proud to announce it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly School Silver designation. Institutions earning this designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey.

“Only select institutions earn the honor of being named a Military Friendly School,” said CCP interim President Dr. Alycia Marshall, “and we are proud that Community College of Philadelphia has been recognized for providing an environment that holistically supports our veteran students. The College’s Veterans Resource Center goes above and beyond to ensure veterans have access to key services that empower them to achieve their academic and professional goals.”

“It’s an honor to see Community College of Philadelphia recognized for our dedication to our veterans,” said Dr. Darren Lipscomb, associate vice president of Enrollment Management at CCP and combat veteran of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. “The Military Friendly School designation offers proof to veterans interested in enrolling at CCP that we make a point of supporting our student veterans at every step of their educational experience, in the classroom and beyond.”

More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025−2026 survey, with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard. The 2025-2026 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and found at militaryfriendly.com.

“Being named a Military Friendly School sends a message to veterans and their families that we understand the unique experiences of those who have served and how those experiences can impact an education,” said Christina Kinlaw, coordinator for Veteran Programming at CCP and a United States Marine Corps veteran. “The Veterans Resource Center at CCP provides empathetic care and resources to our students, creating an environment that supports veterans on a personal level.”

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of Military Friendly. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.”

For more information about our student veteran programs, visit our Veterans Resource Center webpage.

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About Military Friendly Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

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 more than 50 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.

About Viqtory
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

On May 27, 2025, Community College of Philadelphia hosted its first graduation ceremony for the inaugural cohort of the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME). The event celebrated more than 20 students who worked hard to invest in themselves and the City of Philadelphia. The CCME program is a partnership between CCP and the City of Philadelphia that provides workforce training and a pathway to employment, free of charge, to eligible students. This program increases access to education and helps prepare individuals for careers in city government.

Karen Abney was one of the first to graduate from CCME’s Business and Administration pathway. She finished the program in December of 2024, and her accomplishment was celebrated at the May 2025 ceremony along with her fellow CCME graduates. Karen came to the program after taking a hiatus from previous employment with the City. Little did she know that after completing the program, Karen would find herself in an administrative role within CCP’s CCME office itself.

“When I enrolled in this program, my goal was simple: to enhance the skills I had developed over time and take them to an even greater level,” Karen said. “What I didn’t expect was how much I would grow—not just professionally, but personally.” For Karen, the CCME program opened more than just job opportunities for her. It opened her eyes to ways to build greater empathy for folks within and outside the workplace. Karen found the power skills course that was required for the program to be particularly impactful.

"So, the power skills [course] is like [building] communication skills and trying to de-escalate, learning how to talk in regard to body language and then reading body language,” she said. Karen added that in the course, students were tasked with role playing certain scenarios and participating in honest evaluation of each other, all of which got her out of her comfort zone and showed her how to effectively express herself and help others do the same. She feels that this skill will help tremendously in her new role as she learns to work with students, faculty and staff.

Karen’s unique perspective as a graduate of the CCME program is also a valuable asset to her role in the office. Since she started, Karen has already seen how the program is growing and evolving to better suit students’ needs. “I see different things being added, so it's like, ‘OK, this is really taking off!’ I like to watch it grow.”

Karen is also gaining new insights in the role and seeing how other staff members handle their responsibilities and tasks. “So basically, right now I'm learning how everything is operating,” she said.

Karen is so glad that she participated in the CCME program because now she can bring the skills she learned and honed into her role in the CCME office at CCP. She recommends the program to anyone who is interested and eligible. “You can't beat the program. I mean, when I say it's free, it’s true. It's no cost to you, but just your time, your energy and your commitment.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025

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

Community College of Philadelphia Foundation celebrates community at 2025 Black & Gold Gala
This year’s gala raised more than $635,000 to support student scholarships and support services

PHILADELPHIA – Last Thursday, the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation hosted the 2025 Black & Gold Gala at Vie by Cescaphe. The event was emceed by 6abc’s Rick Williams and Mayor Cherelle Parker served as honorary chair.

With 300 attendees, this year’s gala raised more than $635,000. Funds raised during the event directly support scholarships and support services for students at the College.

As the CCP Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the Black & Gold Gala has now raised more than $4 million since 2018 to support student scholarships and support services.

"Each year, the unwavering support shown at our Black & Gold Gala reaffirms the profound connection between this city and its community college,” said Interim College President Dr. Alycia Marshall. “I am deeply honored to serve a community that so wholeheartedly invests in the success and well-being of our students. This event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when educators, leaders, and neighbors come together in shared purpose. It was a privilege to celebrate the remarkable individuals who make our mission possible and to honor the achievements of our students—both past and present—who are using their CCP education to drive meaningful change in Philadelphia and beyond.”

Platinum sponsors at this year’s Black & Gold Gala were Parx Casino and John Alchin and Hal Marryatt.

“The money raised at our gala directly supports the scholarships and support services that make a difference in the lives of CCP students,” said Tim Spreitzer, CCP Foundation president. “I can’t give enough thanks to my fellow Foundation Directors and the College’s Board of Trustees. Each year, they come together to demonstrate that the Black & Gold Gala is more than a fundraiser—it is a joyful celebration of our students and the community that lifts them up.”

In addition to raising funds for scholarships and support services, the Black & Gold Gala recognizes the outstanding service of individuals and organizations in the City of Philadelphia who demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services and health. This year’s honorees:

• Alumni Achievement Award: Fatima Abbas, director of the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs within the United States Department of Treasury, and CCP Class of 2005 graduate
• Community Hero Award: Susan Sherman, longtime nursing educator and advocate, and former president and CEO of the Independence Foundation (1996 to 2024)
• Corporate Leadership Award: Joe H. Tucker Jr., founder and CEO of Tucker Law Group, and president-elect of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting Community College of Philadelphia students can still make a one-time or monthly contribution by visiting foundation.ccp.edu/donate.

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About the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation
The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation exists solely to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of Community College of Philadelphia students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community. As its philanthropic fundraising arm, the Foundation supports the College's comprehensive mission by creating partnerships with individuals, businesses, organizations, and other foundations to raise private contributions in support of scholarships, programs, facilities, equipment, professional development, and greatest needs.

The Community College of Philadelphia Board of Trustees is proud to announce the promotion of 10 faculty members. The Board congratulated the newly promoted faculty members during their monthly meeting on Thursday, June 6.

At the meeting, CCP interim President Dr. Alycia Marshall expressed her gratitude for the newly promoted educators.

“As a former faculty member, I deeply appreciate the vital role our professors play in cultivating the academic and intellectual heart of the institution,” Dr. Marshall said. “It was a privilege to join our Board of Trustees in honoring the outstanding achievements and lasting contributions of our faculty, and to celebrate their well-earned promotions.”

To qualify for promotions, faculty members excelled in the categories of:

• Teaching effectiveness, support for learning, and leadership
• Service to the students
• Contributions to the life of the College
• Service to the profession

“CCP’s professors have a proud history of bringing their whole personality into their work as educators,” said Harold T. Epps, chair of the CCP Board of Trustees. “Each of the 10 faculty members recognized at this month’s Board meeting go above and beyond, utilizing their distinct skills and passions to make classrooms that their students are excited to be part of. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we congratulate them!”

The 10 faculty members who received promotions are:

• Dr. Faye Allard, Social Sciences – promoted to professor
• Dr. Mozhgan Bahadory, Chemistry – promoted to associate professor
• Michael Hackett, Computer Technologies – promoted to associate professor
• Dr. Terrilyn Hickman-Allen, Behavioral Health – promoted to associate professor
• Laurence Liss, Computer Technologies – promoted to associate professor
• Jeffrey Markovitz, English – promoted to professor
• Kelly McQuain, English – promoted to professor
• Dr. Beena Patel, Biology – promoted to associate professor
• Kate Sanchez, English – promoted to associate professor
• Jennifer Schneider, Paralegal Studies – promoted to associate professor

As the only public, open-admission institution in Philadelphia, CCP fulfills the promise of higher education for all Philadelphians—whether they’re looking for a fresh start, a pivot, or accelerated momentum to keep moving forward.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2025

Contact:
Megan L. Fox
mlfox [at] ccp.edu (mlfox[at]ccp[dot]edu)

Community College of Philadelphia partners with United States Navy to prepare Philadelphians for high-demand jobs

Project will expand career training programs at CCP, leading to in-demand jobs in fields of naval welding and nondestructive testing

PHILADELPHIA – Through a U.S. Navy-funded partnership with BlueForge Alliance, Community College of Philadelphia has announced an Advanced Manufacturing education improvement project that will provide skills essential for the Naval shipbuilding industry. It will also increase the Philadelphia-based talent pipeline stream producing professional welders, nondestructive testing professionals, CNC machinists, and other critical workers needed in America’s maritime industrial base.

“Thanks to this exciting partnership, we are bringing new career opportunities to Philadelphians by expanding CCP’s Advanced Manufacturing program,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, interim president of Community College of Philadelphia. “We’re training our students to enter professions that provide meaningful, family-supporting work. This partnership strengthens our city’s thriving workforce in advanced manufacturing fields.”

The new programs offer hundreds of hours of hands-on experience, helping students develop and refine their skills in the classroom while preparing them for lifelong careers. Learners can earn professional certifications in as little as four and a half months.

CCP will offer Naval Welding and Nondestructive Testing programs as noncredit, advanced technical programs, providing students education and training for careers in construction and manufacturing. Naval welding and nondestructive testing are two essential careers that have a high demand for new workers. In the Greater Philadelphia area, welders earn $54,000 and nondestructive testing specialists earn $77,000 per year on average.

This program will be the first collegiate Nondestructive Testing program in the City of Philadelphia and the Silicon welding program will be the first program of its kind in the country. The courses, set to begin in fall 2025, will be taught at the College’s state-of-the-art Career and Advanced Technology Center, located in West Philadelphia. Scholarships will also be available. The Naval Welding Institute is an execution partner supporting CCP in this project.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity for Philadelphians at ccp.edu.

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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 more than 50 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. 

As part of CCP’s 40th Annual International Festival, a contest encouraged to submit essays that embodied the theme of Building Bridges Across the Globe and spoke directly to their own personal experiences as international students.

Abdullo’s essay, "Bridges' and 'Walls' in Tajikfilm," examined the debate about the impact of Hollywood movies on the moral of Tajik society. Abdullo is an Accounting student at CCP, working toward a degree and career change so he can better support his family. Before immigrating to the United States, Abdullo worked as a journalist in Tajikistan, which is part of the reason he was interested in participating in the essay contest. “Winning this contest brought back a part of myself that I thought I had left behind,” Abdullo said. “It reminded me of my passion for writing and gave me hope and motivation for the future.”

Abdullo’s essay discusses the cultural debate in Tajikistan about the influence that Hollywood films have on Tajik films. It explores the tension between preserving national values and embracing global ideas. The piece also examines how censorship in film can build “walls” and alienate certain ideas and practices, while global storytelling can build bridges between cultures.

Abdullo is so glad that his professor, Mary Scholl, encouraged him to submit his essay for the contest. “Her belief in me gave me the confidence to participate,” he said. When Abdullo learned he was the contest winner, he was filled with emotion. “As an immigrant starting over in a new country, this achievement reminded me that I still have something valuable to offer,” he said. “It helped restore my self-belief and gave me renewed confidence and motivation.”

CCP’s Annual International Festival is meant to bring the College community together to celebrate different cultures and learn from one another. The essay contest is just one part of a multiday event that aims to educate and inspire. “[The festival] showed me how powerful writing and storytelling can be in building understanding between people,” Abdullo said. “I was proud to be part of an event that brings people together through culture and ideas.”

The winner was announced at the International Festival Luncheon, "Cuisine from Around the World," on April 2, 2025. Congratulations to Abdullo on this wonderful accomplishment!