Erie, PA – April 29, 2025 - Erie County Community College (EC3) is excited to announce new grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) at a press conference today, Tuesday, April 29, at 3:00 p.m. at the EC3 Erie West campus (2403 W. 8th St., Erie – 1st floor conference room).
As a recipient of this $1 million grant, EC3 will be able to expand its capacity to offer its dual credit programs to more local high school students for free.
"This grant is the largest expansion of early college access in Erie County's history," said Dr. Chris Gray, President of EC3.
Details:
- Thanks to this PA Department of Education grant of $1 million, EC3 will launch a ground-breaking expansion of its dual enrollment program, in partnership with 12 local school districts and two consortium partners.
- The program offers free tuition, textbooks, and technology support to students to eliminate financial obstacles, as well as offer stipends to school districts for transportation.
- Participants will earn college credits while still in high school, gaining critical exposure to college-level learning and preparing for careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and the skilled trades.
- This program aims to increase high school graduation rates, postsecondary enrollment, and long-term financial stability.
Erie County School Districts and Consortium Partners:
- Erie's Public Schools
- Iroquois School District
- Corry Area School District
- Fairview School District
- Fort LeBoeuf School District
- General McLane School District
- Girard School District
- Harbor Creek School District
- Millcreek Township School District
- North East School District
- Northwestern School District
- Union City Area School District
Consortium Partners
- IU5 Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5 – Regional Education Service Agency
- Erie County Technical School
