The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors held its May Board meeting at the Corry Higher Education Council in Corry, Erie County. The Board engaged with local leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to explore rural education initiatives and regional development efforts in northwestern Pennsylvania.
“The Corry Higher Education Council is a strong example of how local collaboration and leadership can expand educational access in rural communities,” said Senator Gene Yaw, Chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors. “It was exciting to see firsthand the impact of the Council’s work in supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.”
Founded in 1991 to address the lack of adult education and workforce training in the region, the Corry Higher Education Council (Corry Hi-Ed) is a nonprofit organization serving one of Pennsylvania’s nine Community Education Council regions. Corry Hi-Ed provides hands-on career training, adult enrichment, and leadership development programs, while partnering with other institutions to bring accredited classes and certifications to underserved rural learners.
“Communities like Corry have so many challenges but we are fortunate to have great partners throughout the state,” said Matt Platz, Executive Director of the Corry Higher Education Council. “It was an honor to be able to host the Board of Directors for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania at the Corry Higher Education Council. Community leaders were invited to the morning roundtable to share ideas for the future. I am happy to be part of the productive conversation here in Corry.”
“The Corry Higher Education Council transforms lives and strengthens our communities through its commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality education,” said Senator Scott Hutchinson. “By encouraging a culture of lifelong learning and workforce development, Corry Hi-Ed opens doors to opportunity, inspires personal growth, and helps individuals and families build brighter futures for themselves and their neighbors. Their mission is not just about education—it’s about empowering a region to thrive.”
“I was honored to be part of the Board meeting in Corry,” said Representative Jake Banta. “I grew up in a small rural town not far from there. I have lived in PA all of my life. I feel the community asks for one thing in general, and that is opportunity. Our way of life is one that the Corry Higher Education Council also knows well. As a state legislator, I am involved in the PA budget. My goal is to direct those funds to create opportunities. I think once this is in place, the rest will happen naturally. Part of my own journey has included a formula of education and training and applying it to the job. It’s time to make opportunities for the community. Pennsylvanians will do the rest. Keep moving forward.”
“Rural communities like Corry are proving that with the right partnerships and local leadership, it’s possible to overcome real challenges,” said Representative Dan Moul, member of the Center’s Board. “The Corry Higher Education Council is doing incredible work to meet local needs and strengthen the region’s workforce and future.”
“Meeting directly with community leaders in Corry reinforces the importance of place-based solutions,” said Dr. Kyle C. Kopko, Executive Director of the Center. “Organizations like Corry Hi-Ed are closing critical gaps in education and workforce training. Seeing their work firsthand helps us better support and advocate for rural communities across the Commonwealth.”
The visit to Corry is part of the Center’s ongoing effort to connect directly with rural communities, highlight success stories, and better understand the challenges and opportunities that exist across rural regions in the Commonwealth.
For more information about the Center’s work, visit www.rural.pa.gov.
