HARRISBURG – Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) applauded a $3.2 million increase in state funding for the Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT), included as part of a measure to fund Pennsylvania’s state-related universities for 2023-24 passed by the Senate today.
“The General Assembly has long said that we should pay for performance when it comes to our institutions of higher education,” Sen. Yaw said. “Time and time again, Penn College has risen to the occasion. PCT is an institution that has uplifted its community and trained tomorrow’s workforce for more than a century and they are setting the standard for technical education and innovation around the world. I am very pleased we have taken this step in rewarding their outstanding performance.”
With passage today, this vital increase will allow PCT to open more slots in dozens of in-demand programs such as welding, electrical, and aviation maintenance. Many of these programs are beyond capacity and applicants have been waitlisted since last spring.
“We are most appreciative of the additional funding, which will help us continue to provide the type of hands-on education in high-demand career fields that meets the needs of Pennsylvania business and industry,” Penn College President Michael J. Reed said.
The Pennsylvania College of Technology is the state’s premier technical institution, enrolling nearly 4,400 students, offering certificates and advanced degrees across more than a dozen program areas, and boasting a 96.2% graduate placement rate. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges rankings, Regional Colleges North, Penn College was ranked the No. 1 Most Innovative School and No. 1 in Undergraduate Teaching (tied), as well as No. 2 Best College for Veterans and No. 4 in Top Public Schools.
According to existing law, funding in House Bill 1461 is directed only to provide tuition discounts for in-state students, and universities are required to meet strict financial reporting requirements as a condition of receiving the money.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280