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Governor Shapiro Delivers New Blueprint for Higher Education, Focused on Competitiveness and Workforce Development & Grounded in Access and Affordability

Posted on by Melissa Brown

January 26, 2024

“Undoubtedly, this is a crucial moment in Pennsylvania’s history, and Governor Shapiro’s emphasis on the state’s health and vitality resonates strongly here in Centre County and the Centre Region. Workforce challenges are a common concern for employers across the board, and the diminishing workforce puts Pennsylvania at a significant disadvantage both now and in the future. I believe that the Governor’s vision to strengthen Pennsylvania and enhance its competitiveness is a step in the right direction. The Higher Education Blueprint, with its focus on providing greater access for our students, making higher education more affordable for those most in need, and implementing performance-based funding models, while providing transparency and accountability, holds promise for building a stronger future workforce. This, in turn, will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our businesses and communities. The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County stands firmly behind this vision and advocates for the policies and funding that will contribute to an increasingly educated workforce, ultimately driving our economy forward. I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to addressing these critical issues, and I am grateful to offer my support to such a vital challenge.” – Greg Scott, President and CEO, Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County

Governor Shapiro’s blueprint works to ensure every Pennsylvanian will have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.

Under Governor Shapiro’s plan, higher education will serve as an economic driver for Pennsylvania, prepare workers for the future, and address workforce shortages.

Pennsylvania currently ranks 48th for affordability and 49th for state investment in higher education – and Governor Shapiro knows we must take action to improve access and opportunity for Pennsylvania students.

Harrisburg, PA — Today, Governor Josh Shapiro released a new blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania, focused on competitiveness and workforce development, and grounded in access and affordability. Much of Governor Shapiro’s blueprint is based on the work of the Higher Education Working Group – a group of higher education leaders from across Pennsylvania appointed by Governor Shapiro to develop a series of recommendations for improving higher education in the Commonwealth.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “For some, that means going right into the workforce – but for those who want to go to college or get a credential, we need to rethink our system of higher education. Whether you want to take one course to brush up on your skills, earn a certificate to qualify for a promotion, or pursue a degree that will lead to a new career – you deserve accessible, affordable higher education options. That’s true for every student, whether you attend one of our historic HBCUs, a community college, a PASSHE institution, a state-related university, or an independent college or university. That’s exactly what my plan will deliver, and we’ll build a higher education system that opens up doors of opportunity, prepares our workforce, and serves as the linchpin to Pennsylvania’s economic success.”

After 30 years of disinvestment, too many of our colleges and universities are running on empty and not enough students have affordable pathways through college and into good jobs. Pennsylvania spends less on higher education than every other state except for New Hampshire – that means the financial burden of higher education falls on our institutions and students, who are forced to cut services, raise tuition, and take on more debt.

Colleges are competing with one another for limited dollars – duplicating degree programs, driving up costs, and actually reducing access. Over the past decade, PASSHE enrollment has dropped 30 percent and community college enrollment has decreased by 37 percent.

That’s why, in his first budget address, Governor Shapiro spoke about these issues of equity, opportunity, and affordability and proclaimed our system broken – earning bipartisan praise and agreement. After his first budget address, Governor Shapiro brought together a working group of higher education leaders and engaged stakeholders across the Commonwealth to examine these significant challenges and offer recommendations for a path forward.

With their ideas and expertise, Governor Shapiro is delivering a three-part blueprint for higher education:

Creating A New System to Address Pennsylvania’s Needs

First, Governor Shapiro’s plan will build a new system for higher education that unites our PASSHE universities and our 15 community colleges under a new governance system, preserving local leadership while uniting both types of institutions behind the goal of educating Pennsylvania.

Together, PASSHE and our community colleges will be able to create pathways to affordable credentials and degrees that students can access throughout their lifetimes, improve coordination between schools, and serve as the most affordable higher education option for Pennsylvania students.

In his budget address on February 6th, Governor Shapiro will propose a significant investment in state-owned universities, community colleges, and the students they serve.

Increasing Access & Affordability

Second, once that new system is in place, Governor Shapiro’s plan will make significant investments to ensure higher education is both affordable and accessible for all, because any Pennsylvanian who wants to pursue a higher education should have the opportunity to do so – no matter where they come from or how much money their family makes.

Under the new system created by Governor Shapiro’s plan, Pennsylvanians making up to the median income will pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester at state-owned universities and community colleges.

To help students attending state-related universities and independent colleges, Governor Shapiro’s plan will increase PHEAA grants for all students by $1,000.

Increasing Transparency & Improving Outcomes

Third, Governor Shapiro believes Pennsylvania should pay for performance. That’s why he’s proposing that direct appropriations to publicly funded colleges and universities be distributed on the basis of a predictable, transparent, outcomes-focused formula that will incentivize colleges and universities to focus on what’s most important to the Commonwealth. A performance-based funding model has already been embraced by higher education leaders across the Commonwealth, including Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi.

In consultation with higher education stakeholders, the Shapiro Administration will establish a predictable, performance-based funding formula that rewards public and state-related colleges and universities for achieving outcomes that benefit the Commonwealth. The formula will take into consideration factors including but not limited to increasing enrollment, the number of first-generation college students that receive credentials, and the graduation rate. Furthermore, the formula will incentivize institutions to recruit and support students to complete degrees and earn credentials in fields facing workforce shortages, such as education and nursing, and growing fields like advanced manufacturing and biotechnology, that will drive our Commonwealth’s economic growth in the decades to come.

Finally, Governor Shapiro will ensure this performance-based funding formula is driven out through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for state-related universities. This will no longer require a two-thirds vote in the legislature, breaking the cycle of political gamesmanship that has held funding hostage.

This blueprint for higher education will help keep young people in Pennsylvania, attract more workers and companies to our Commonwealth, help students build the skills they need to fill good-paying jobs, and ensure employers can find the talented, prepared workers and strong thinkers they need to thrive and grow.

From Pennsylvania’s two historic HBCUs and the PASSHE system, to its community colleges, state-related universities, and independent colleges, Governor Shapiro’s bold vision for higher education will take advantage of Pennsylvania’s strengths, like its dedicated staff and faculty, diverse set of institutions, and significant partnerships with the private sector. This blueprint will serve as the linchpin to our Commonwealth’s economic success, setting us up for growth and prosperity for generations to come.

See what higher education, business, and government leaders are saying about Governor Shapiro’s higher education blueprint:

“PASSHE’s remarkable transformation over the past six years shows that a collaborative system is good for students, communities, and employers, and we know higher education can accomplish so much more by uniting. The governor’s proposal is a real opportunity to build upon the strengths of PASSHE universities and the community colleges. Together we can create a new, larger system with better collaboration that gives students more pathways to a degree or credential, rapidly adjusts to the changing knowledge and skills employers want, and provides the lowest-cost option for students throughout their lifetime.” – PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein

“I have been a strong advocate for performance-based funding in higher education, not only to enhance transparency and accountability, but also to achieve meaningful outcomes for our students. I am extremely pleased to see that part of Gov. Shapiro’s blueprint is a call to establish a predictable performance-based funding formula, and we look forward to working with the legislature to implement such a model. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for Penn State and other state-related institutions to work together with the Commonwealth on shared goals for workforce and economic development.” – Neeli Bendapudi, President, Penn State

“We are very grateful to the Governor for his bold initiative in support of higher education in Pennsylvania. Temple is eager to collaborate with the governor’s efforts to support our students, ensure greater access, affordability and excellence in higher education, and spur economic growth in the Commonwealth.” – Richard M. Englert, President, Temple University

“We thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership in putting forth an innovative blueprint to give Pennsylvania students greater opportunities for affordable, high-quality higher education and to bolster the role of colleges and universities like Pitt in driving Pennsylvania’s economic success. Pitt looks forward to working with the Shapiro Administration and the legislature to enact a higher education plan that delivers for students and puts Pennsylvania on a path to a more competitive workforce and a more robust economy.” – Joan Gabel, Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh

“A higher education opens the door to opportunity for our students – here at Lincoln, we empower students to learn, liberate, and lead throughout their lives. The outcomes-based funding formula Governor Shapiro has proposed in his bold new blueprint for higher education would support us in our work by delivering additional funding to support our historic mission, while also giving state-related universities like Lincoln stability and a chance to plan for the future needs of our students.” – Dr. Brenda Allen, President, Lincoln University

“I am encouraged by Governor Shapiro’s vision for a new blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania. This is a wonderful opportunity for the 10 PASSHE colleges and 15 community colleges to work together to develop a system that is accessible, affordable and creates opportunities for Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with my colleagues and Governor Shapiro to forward this project.” – Dr. Quintin Bullock, President, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)

“At HACC, we believe that a college education should be accessible to all – no matter their background. Governor Shapiro’s vision of a higher education sector sets Pennsylvanians, including current and future HACC students, up for success by making it easier for them to transfer earned credits, build skills that employers are seeking and save time and money in the process. HACC looks forward to working with Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to create pathways to affordable credentials and degrees that will change lives, destinies and family trees in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.” – John J. “Ski” Sygielski, President and CEO of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College

“Undoubtedly, this is a crucial moment in Pennsylvania’s history, and Governor Shapiro’s emphasis on the state’s health and vitality resonates strongly here in Centre County and the Centre Region. Workforce challenges are a common concern for employers across the board, and the diminishing workforce puts Pennsylvania at a significant disadvantage both now and in the future. I believe that the Governor’s vision to strengthen Pennsylvania and enhance its competitiveness is a step in the right direction. The Higher Education Blueprint, with its focus on providing greater access for our students, making higher education more affordable for those most in need, and implementing performance-based funding models, while providing transparency and accountability, holds promise for building a stronger future workforce. This, in turn, will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our businesses and communities. The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County stands firmly behind this vision and advocates for the policies and funding that will contribute to an increasingly educated workforce, ultimately driving our economy forward. I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to addressing these critical issues, and I am grateful to offer my support to such a vital challenge.” – Greg Scott, President and CEO, Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County

“We were pleased to hear about Governor Shapiro’s Blueprint for Higher Education. As the gap continues to widen for available jobs and credentialed applicants, the Governor’s plan appears to be a critical step for the Commonwealth to take to address these demands. We are open to supporting efforts to provide access to affordable education so that our community and our state continue to grow and prosper.” – James Grunke, President and CEO, Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership

“Governor Shapiro’s Blueprint for Higher Education puts Pennsylvania on a trajectory for success. Not only in creating an equitable pathway to education and training but for students living in rural PA who want educational opportunities and face accessibility, financial, and transportation obstacles.” – Angela Harding, Clinton County Commissioner

“I am excited to see Governor Shapiro’s plan for a higher education sector that sets a predictable funding formula. This will help local community colleges like ours in Luzerne County and in turn help local taxpayers by providing stable and predictable funding going forward. Stable funding will educate and train a workforce that will drive economic growth and prosperity for every community in Pennsylvania.” – Jimmy Sabatino, Luzerne County Councilman

MEDIA CONTACT: Governor’s Press Office, ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week

Posted on by Melissa Brown

We want to ensure our businesses have a knowledgeable, skilled workforce. That’s why we support Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE), PFEW uniquely prepares our students for successful careers right here at home.

PFEW 2023 graduate Maddie Miller from Henderson HS in Chester County explains why PFEW is so important, “My experience at PFEW was amazing. I went into the program without any real interest in business and came out as a changed person. I had no idea the tools I would gain from this. I also made incredible friends. Building a company from scratch with eighteen people that you just met was nothing short of a challenge. Throughout my time, I saw my company grow closer as a group but also grow individually as people. Personally, I developed leadership, speaking, and collaborative skills that I will take with me throughout my career endeavors. We were lucky enough to listen to some incredible speakers during our time at PFEW and their words were very influential. I am so thankful I got to participate in this amazing experience.”

PFEW is entirely funded and taught by the PA business community and is open to all rising juniors and seniors in PA. It’s a powerful hands-on program that teaches students to understand modern business and the American free enterprise system. Students form teams and manage a manufacturing company competing with other companies. Along the way, they gain the knowledge and skills that uniquely prepare them for successful careers and lives right here in PA. Since its inception, over 50,000 students have participated in this award-winning program.

FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for success. The Stock Market Game (SMG) is a hands-on in-class program for students in grades 4-12 that focuses on financial literacy, investing and capital markets. The Speaker Series helps students explore careers, discover regional scholarship and career opportunities, build a mentor network, and more.

FFEE’s three-pronged approach to youth and workforce development promotes the finest ideals of business and free enterprise and creates our next generation of productive, engaged employees and leaders.

To support PFEW or to learn more about these vital FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact VP of Marketing & Development Scott Lee at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.

Welcome Curtis Johnson to the Board of Directors

Posted on by Melissa Brown

Curtis Johnson was approved by the State College Area School District Board of Directors as the Superintendent on March 13, 2023. Mr. Johnson has a deep commitment to the district and its students. Throughout his years with the State College Area School District, he has consistently supported students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Since 2021, he served as the assistant superintendent of secondary schools, working closely with the superintendent and district administrative team. Prior to serving as assistant superintendent, Mr. Johnson was the principal of State College Area High School
for five years after one year as interim principal and 10 years in other leadership roles at the high school. As the principal, he steered a campus of 2,400 students through the massive 4-year State High building project. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he again led students, faculty, and staff as they coped with hybrid learning, health and safety measures, and other challenges.
His accomplishments include improving educational equity by developing the school’s Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE), a program designed to give struggling students an opportunity to reach their academic potential and facilitating the creation of the Everyday Algebra class for students needing intensive math instruction.
During his tenure, the school launched its International Baccalaureate program for juniors and seniors, and the number of State High students taking AP courses increased by 56 percent, with almost 80 percent of AP exam takers scoring a 3 or higher.
Along with fostering academic growth, Mr. Johnson oversaw significant strides in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment at State High, partnering with the district’s director of equity and inclusivity to elevate student voice through the No Place For Hate campaign and other student-led social justice efforts. Additionally, his priorities included helping to implement restorative practices training for staff members.
Mr. Johnson received both his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in secondary school counseling from Penn State and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at the university.

Why Treating All Employees As Leaders Can Benefit Your Company

Posted on by Melissa Brown

When it comes to building a strong, successful company, many business owners and organizations focus on cultivating the leadership skills of their top executives and managers. While this is certainly important, it’s also crucial to recognize that every employee in your organization can be a leader in their own right. By treating all employees as leaders and giving them the support and resources they need to succeed, you can create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth that sets your company apart from the competition.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of treating all employees as leaders and provide practical tips for developing leadership skills in your entire team.

Empowering All Employees Boosts Innovation and Creativity

When you give all employees a sense of ownership and responsibility within the organization, they are more likely to feel invested in the success of the company. This can lead to a culture of innovation and creativity, as employees feel empowered to take risks, try new things, and bring fresh ideas to the table. By tapping into the collective brainpower of your entire team, you can identify new opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive innovation in your industry.

As Wharton psychologist Adam Grant reminds business leaders, “Knowledge is best sought from experts, but creativity and wisdom can come from anywhere.” 

Leaders Across the Organization Can Drive Performance and Results

When you cultivate leadership skills in all employees, you create a team of drivers who can help move the company forward. Leaders at all levels of the organization can inspire and motivate their peers, take ownership of their work, and constantly strive to improve their performance.

By recognizing, cultivating, and rewarding leadership at all levels of the organization, companies can increase accountability, promote a culture of achievement, and ultimately drive results. Executive coach and Inc. contributor Robin Camarote recommends recognizing and rewarding employees for leadership behavior, including “celebrating successes, highlighting contributions, and promoting individuals who demonstrate leadership potential.”

Empowering Employees Can Boost Employee Engagement and Retention

When employees feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to feel engaged and committed to the company. This, in turn, can boost employee satisfaction and retention rates. When employees feel that their contributions are making a difference and that they are part of something meaningful, they are more likely to stay with the company for the long haul.

Leadership Development Programs Benefit the Entire Organization

To effectively cultivate leadership skills in all employees, it’s important to provide professional development and training opportunities. By creating leadership development programs that are accessible to all employees, you can help everyone in the organization improve their skills, increase their knowledge, and become more effective leaders.

Leadership development training should be specific to an employee’s role. One employee may need more skill training to support their career development. Another may need coaching and mentoring to support their management responsibilities. Employees are likely to know what they need, so when it comes to leadership training, including them in the conversation will increase buy-in and long-term results.

The Bottom Line 

By treating all employees as leaders and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed, you can build a company-wide culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth that sets your company apart. Empowering all employees can lead to breakthrough ideas, drive performance and results, boost employee engagement and retention, and benefit the entire organization through leadership development programs. By treating all employees as leaders, you can create an environment in which everyone is encouraged to think outside the box and pursue their full potential, ultimately driving the success of your company.

The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC. 

The Power of ‘Entry Interviews’ and ‘Stay Interviews’: Tips from Adam Grant

Posted on by Melissa Brown

The hiring process can be tedious, from screening resumes to conducting interviews. But how do you ensure that you’re hiring the right people? More importantly, how do you keep them happy and engaged in your company? This is the dilemma that small business owners and managers often face. Fortunately, Wharton psychologist Adam Grant has some insights that can help you navigate through this challenge.

In a recent article in Inc., Grant shared his advice on conducting “entry interviews” and “stay interviews.” Keep reading to find out how these two methods can help you create a more positive work environment and retain your best employees.

Entry Interviews: What Are They and How Do They Work?

An entry interview is a meeting with an employee where you discuss their expectations and experiences during the on-boarding process. This can take place on the first day of work or within the first few weeks, depending on your preference. The purpose of this interview is to provide new employees with a safe space to share their past experiences and current job expectations, in addition to making them feel valued from the start.

During an entry interview, it’s crucial to ask open-ended questions that allow the employee to share their thoughts honestly. Some sample questions that Grant suggests are:

What are you hoping to gain from this role?

What do you think you can contribute to the company?

How do you prefer to receive feedback and recognition?

Remember, the goal of entry interviews is to show employees that you value their opinion and care about their experience within your company. This can lead to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and increased productivity.

Stay Interviews: Why They Matter and How to Conduct Them

While entry interviews are designed to help new employees acclimate to your workplace culture, stay interviews are for current employees who have been with your company for an extended period. The purpose of stay interviews is to identify factors that make employees stay in their current roles and identify any areas that need improvement to retain top talent.

Grant recommends conducting stay interviews on a regular basis, such as once a year or every six months. This can help identify potential issues before they become a bigger problem. During a stay interview, it’s important to ask questions such as:

What do you enjoy most about your role? Why?

What are the most challenging aspects of your job? Why?

What motivates you to stay with our company?

Incorporating Feedback from Both Types of Interviews

Now that you have a clear understanding of entry and stay interviews, it’s crucial to incorporate the feedback you receive to improve your workplace culture continuously. Make sure to show employees that you take their comments and experiences seriously by addressing any concerns that are raised. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty to your company.

Moreover, be open to introducing new initiatives or making changes based on employee feedback. For instance, if employees express that they would like more opportunities for professional development, consider offering training or workshops to help them grow their skills.

The Takeaway

Conducting entry interviews and stay interviews is an excellent way to bridge communication gaps and build a better work culture. By implementing these techniques, you can create a welcoming environment for new employees and retain your top talent. Remember that feedback is a critical part of the process, and acting on it will show employees that you value their opinion. So, take Grant’s advice and start conducting entry and stay interviews to improve your hiring process and retain employees who are passionate about your company.

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The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.