Erie County Community College (EC3) today announced that Erie County residents will receive free tuition for the Fall 2021 semester. Through the support of Erie County Council’s American Rescue Plan funding, Erie County residents who have resided in Erie County for more than one year will not be charged tuition when enrolling in classes beginning on September 1, 2021.
The Council’s funding comes from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and is the first of a $52.3 million pool of money slated for Erie County development. The American Rescue Plan attempts to stabilize a community still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. County Councilman Carl Anderson, the Council’s liaison to EC3, explained that “the community college will play a vital role in preparing a skilled, trained workforce, which will allow Erie County to get back on track. Hope and opportunity are, indeed, alive right here in Erie County!”
Kathy Dahlkemper, County Executive, believes the Council’s actions reflect an historic moment for the county: “The funding allocated to Erie County Community College from the American Rescue Plan Act via the EC3 Empowerment Grant is transformative. This money provides immediate relief by removing the financial barrier of tuition, allowing all students access to quality education and building the strong workforce Erie County businesses need to thrive. This investment will benefit Erie County for generations to come.”
EC3 is the newest community college in the entire nation, and students can apply now to begin learning in one of three tracks: liberal arts, business management and entrepreneurial thinking, or computer information systems: networking. Tuition, normally $160 per credit hour for Erie County residents, will be free. Students may have minimal fees and book expenses, but EC3 has established a book-and-fee waiver application for students experiencing economic hardship. EC3 Board Chair Ron DiNicola understands that finances are a common barrier to students going to college. “Many Erie County residents have struggled through this pandemic, and the Council’s approval of the tuition funding in addition to the emergency funding takes away financial barriers for so many,” DiNicola stated.
Students interested in enrolling or finding out more about EC3 are encouraged to visit www.ec3pa.org. “College staff members are ready to assist you. Don’t let the college process intimidate you; we’re here to help you and will walk you through every step,” said E Michaux, the Director of Enrollment Management at EC3.
The College will offer a combination of two-year programs, post-secondary career certificates, and technical courses and is committed to providing a diverse, affordable, and open education environment. The creation of the EC3 was initially approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Education in July of 2020.
For more information and updates about ECCCPA, visit www.ec3pa.org.
