Community College Feasibility Study

Chronic unemployment and underemployment in the four counties of the Tuscarora River Valley is further complicated by a lack of readily available, accessible, and affordable post-high school education and job training. There is a direct correlation between the education and training of the indigenous workforce and the economic health and family-sustaining opportunities of this region. Recognizing the challenge, the Tuscarora River Valley Community College Steering Committee, consisting of local community leaders and stakeholders, tasked Delta Development Group to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and develop a strategic planning process that addresses this educational/job training gap in a cost-effective, time-sensitive manner.

The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (TIU-11) leads the managerial and administrative effort to develop the feasibility of a community college model to deliver higher education and job training to Fulton, Mifflin, Juniata, and Huntingdon Counties. Respective of qualitative and quantitative research and results, Delta responded with a variety of planning strategies for the region:

• Develop an understanding of the existing higher education and potential learning models

• Assess the demand for higher education and job training among area high school students and employers

• Explore opportunities for a distributive learning environment that considers location, available facilities, needs/demand requirements, and commuting patterns

• Develop a business model template for both start-up and sustainability of higher education that includes funding resources

The Results

The Tuscarora River Valley Community College Feasibility Study surfaced convincing evidence that demand exists for the development of a systematic approach to higher education and job training in the four-county region. Among key findings and recommendations:

1. The study recommended the formation of a distributive learning model, whereby class centers respond to priority education and training needs, specifically in the critical areas of health care and advanced manufacturing skills.

2. Delta also mapped a phased, fiscally-prudent approach to secure funding for administration and the development of a nursing education center in Mifflin County, with anticipated first course offerings slated for fall 2007.