SCHUYLKILL HAVEN – Expanding dual enrollment opportunities for local high school students, introducing new courses, and strengthening Penn State Schuylkill’s cooperative education (Co-Op) program with local employers were the key priorities at a legislative roundtable focused on the future of the campus.
Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Reps. Tim Twardzik (R-123), Jamie Barton (R-124), JoAnne Stehr (R-107),and Dane Watro (R-116) organized the event to highlight strategies for continued growth and innovation following the successful, community-led effort to keep the campus open earlier this year.
“Just a few months ago, the Schuylkill County community united to save this campus,” said Argall. “But our work is not done – far from it. Today’s discussion helped build a roadmap for how Penn State Schuylkill can thrive and benefit even more students and employers for decades to come.”
“Penn State Schuylkill is an anchor for our region,” said Twardzik. “The cooperative education program and expanded course offerings will give students real-world experience while helping local businesses grow. Today’s testifiers included business and community leaders, as well as alumni who serve on advisory panels at Main Campus. They made a compelling case that, for 90 years, our Schuylkill Campus has served the area with distinction, and the strong support it received this past year guarantees a bright future. It’s a win-win for our students and our economy.”
“One overwhelming theme we heard today was ‘this is Schuylkill County’s campus,’” Barton said. “It’s no different for me. My family came to Schuylkill County in 1969 because my father accepted a position in the PSU Schuylkill administration. I grew up on this campus and attended it for 2 years before transferring to University Park. But it looks a lot different now than it did back then. Higher education needs to constantly adapt to meet the needs of the workforce and its students. That’s why we gathered on campus today. We’re all working together to make sure Penn State Schuylkill continues to offer an incredible education at an affordable price!”
“By working together, we can ensure that Penn State Schuylkill continues to serve as a place where students can thrive and find opportunity,” said Stehr. “Expanding dual enrollment and hands-on learning will help more students find meaningful careers right here at home.”
“Our local employers need skilled, motivated workers, and our students need clear paths to good careers,” said Watro. “Bringing education and industry together helps meet both goals and keeps our communities strong.”
AJ Serrano and Carter Strouse, both Penn State Schuylkill students, shared their perspective on how cooperative education has helped them and their peers gain valuable hands-on experience while continuing their studies, and the importance of expanding this program.
Joseph Gera, vice chair of the Penn State Schuylkill Co-Op National Advisory Council, emphasized the success of the co-op program and proposed expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math fields to meet employer demand.
Samantha M. Chivinski, executive vice president of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between local employers and the campus to retain young professionals in the region.
Micah Gursky, rural health clinic administrator at Saint Luke’s University Health Network, and Terry Purcell, president of the northwest region for Lehigh Valley Health Network, spoke about the need for additional healthcare and technical programs to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s hospitals and clinics.
Dr. Shawn Fitzpatrick, superintendent of the Schuylkill Haven Area School District, discussed the importance of this campus to our local high schools and expanding dual enrollment courses, which allow high school students to earn college credits and explore career paths before graduation.
A recording of the full roundtable is available on Argall’s website.
CONTACTS:
Seth Hubler (Argall)
Will Jones (Twardzik/Stehr)
Jake Gillespie (Barton)
Chris Comisac (Watro)