Pocono News Section

New Community College in Susquehanna Valley?

New Community College in Susquehanna Valley? - Monday, February 4, 2008 at 6:00PM EST

? Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday, Feb 4, 2008 @06:00pm EST
SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY- Over the next few weeks, many Central Pennsylvania residents will be asked to take part in an on-line, telephone, or mailed survey about a proposed community college.

Members of the Susquehanna Valley Community Education Project (SVCEP), a non-profit organization, want to bring a community college to the Sunbury area. The proposed Susquehanna Valley Community College would serve Northumberland, Snyder, Union, and Montour counties.

SVCEP President Lenaire Ahlum said, "What we're seeking to do is address the problem of accessibility and address the problem of affordability."

Supporters of the project say there is a need for this community college, citing thousands of students who currently travel many miles to community colleges in places like Luzerne and Dauphin County.

The proposed college would be located in or near Sunbury, and likely utilize existing buildings. "Bricks and mortar are expensive. We're looking to really put or dollars into programs, because that's what students need."

Officials say tuition rates at the proposed school would rival those of the Luzerne County and Harrisburg Area community colleges, at about $2,500-$2,800 dollars annually for full-time students.

Officials also say they expect the proposed community college would stimulate the region culturally and financially. SVCEP member Joshua Ripple added, “Training people for skilled jobs will help draw more businesses to this area, more industry, more high paying jobs."