Foundation Establishes New $1 Million Fund to benefit plannned community college
At a 10 a.m. press conference, The Erie Community Foundation announced the creation of a new fund at the Foundation for the benefit of the planned community college for Erie County. The Foundation will immediately provide the initial gift into this fund in the amount of $1 million. “This grant is three times larger than any previous commitment made by the Foundation in our 75 year history,” said Foundation President Michael L. Batchelor.
"High poverty in Erie County, persistently low educational attainment rates, and a business community challenged to recruit and retain a qualified workforce caused us to take this unprecedented step,” he said. "We know that there is a high correlation between educational attainment and lifetime earnings," explained Batchelor. “Erie County educational attainment rates are dramatically below the state and nation rates. A community college will increase access to education and help strengthen our local economy."
The fund will support ongoing operating and capital expenses and will be available assuming completion of the application to the state for the community college, Erie County Council's sponsorship of the application by September 30, 2010, and the ultimate receipt of the necessary state approvals. The Foundation is also making a second grant at this time to assist in the timely preparation of the detailed application package required by the state.
Trustees of the Erie Community Foundation will also continually review community college operations to ensure it meets the educational and economic development needs of Erie County residents. "This additional level of community involvement should maximize the effectiveness of this important institution,” said Batchelor.
The Foundation is also encouraging local businesses, philanthropists and the general public to make additional contributions to the fund which will remain at The Erie Community Foundation. “We are making the opening and lead gift,” continued Batchelor. “Study after study has documented the need for a community college. Private sector donations will further enhance quality, provide additional assistance to the County and alleviate taxpayer concerns over financial viability,” he said.
In fact, Nick Scott *of Scott Enterprises, *David Tullio *of Custom Engineering and *Bill Hilbert, Sr. of PHB/Reddogg each made an announcement that they too will each pledge $10,000 to the Coaltion for our Community College.
Anyone interested in supporting the community college can send donations to The Erie County Community College Fund, c/o The Erie Community Foundation, 459 West Sixth St, Erie, PA 16507.
The Foundation also announced the creation of The Coalition For Our Community College. “It’s important that supporters of a community college have their voices heard,” continued Batchelor. “We have created a logo and a facebook site. We expect the Coalition to grow organically from there,” he said.
