Chris Gray, Ph.D.
Founding President, Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania
When I started college, I was sure I'd be a math major. I loved solving problems, and I truly thought that I would spend my life solving equations. By my sophomore year, though, I realized that my real passion was in writing and communication. That switch meant I had to rethink my academic plan in its entirety, and I was lucky that I had a strong general education foundation to build on. My community college helped me to shift gears.
That's why EC3 matters. It's built for students like me and like you. Here at EC3, we realize that life doesn't go according to plan, and we know that it's normal for plans – and majors – to change as students work their way through their courses. That's what's supposed to happen, actually, and it's what we're all about.
At EC3, students follow Pennsylvania's Transfer Credit Framework, also known as Track 30. This ensures that the first thirty credits of general education coursework are guaranteed to transfer to any participating college or university in the state. This is a fantastic benefit for our students because it means that they can start at EC3 with confidence, knowing their hard work will count wherever they go next.
And transferring is a big deal to community colleges. In fact, according to the Community College Research Center, 80% of community college students intend to transfer to a four-year institution. EC3 is built to support that goal, offering a high-quality, affordable start that keeps students on track.
Think of a bachelor's degree as a three-piece pie:
- One-third general education courses
- One-third major coursework
- One-third exploration and elective courses
That general education base is the most flexible and transferable part of the pie. When students change majors (which they do – a lot), it's the gen ed credits that keep them moving forward. In fact, 56% of students change their major at least once, and 16% change more than twice.
Every time students switch majors, though, they risk losing credits or extending their time in school. But with a solid gen ed foundation, those credits can shift into the "exploration" slice of the degree pie, keeping students on track and on budget.
It's not just students who are changing, though; jobs are changing, too. The World Economic Forum reports that 44% of workers' core skills will change by 2027, and millions of jobs will be transformed or created by trends like AI, green energy, and digital transformation. We have to be ready and help our students prepare for these changes.
That's why EC3 doesn't just teach content. We also focus on teaching marketable skills: communication, critical thinking, digital literacy, and adaptability. These are the tools that students need to thrive in any career, even the ones that don't exist yet.
Whether you're aiming for a four-year degree, a technical career, or just exploring your options, EC3 offers clear, flexible pathways to help you meet your goals. These are more than just majors: they're career-aligned roadmaps that help students make informed decisions and avoid wasted time and money.
Here's a look at some of EC3's career clusters:
- Business and Entrepreneurialism: For future leaders, managers, and innovators.
- Health Sciences: For students pursuing nursing, medical assisting, and allied health careers.
- Applied Technology: For hands-on learners interested in industrial tech, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
- Public Service: For those called to serve in criminal justice, education, or social work.
- Transfer Programs: For students planning to complete a bachelor's degree in arts, sciences, or education.
Each pathway includes a mix of general education, major-specific courses, and electives, giving students both structure while offering flexibility. Whether you know exactly what you want or are still figuring it out, EC3's pathways help you move forward with purpose.
At EC3, we are more than just classes. We are a community. With affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and personalized support, EC3 is designed to meet students where they are. And because EC3 is local, it's deeply connected to Erie County's workforce needs. That means that our students aren't just earning credits; they're building careers. Whether that's fresh out of high school, returning to school after a break, or juggling work and family, we have a place for you.
So, whether you're a first-time student, a career changer, or someone still figuring it out, we see you. Because at EC3, everyone belongs, and everyone can begin.
Our community: your college.
