Local Democratic lawmakers praise $10 million grant awarded to Delaware County Community College
Grant will go toward the college’s expansion to Upper Darby
Rep. Regina Young September 11, 2024 | 4:09 PM
UPPER DARBY, Sept. 11 – Delaware County Democratic legislators applauded the Shapiro administration's move in granting $10 million to Delaware County Community College’s expansion project.
The college purchased the former Archbishop Prendergast High School building in Drexel Hill and has been working on renovating the main building to consolidate the existing Upper Darby and Southeast Centers. The $10 million grant comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and will go toward Phase II of the construction project.
The expansion will be split between state Reps. Heather Boyd’s and Gina H. Curry’s legislative districts.
“Supporting funding for DCCC is a great way to invest in Pennsylvania’s future workforce and students everywhere,” said Boyd. “Not only are we putting money into brick-and-mortar improvements, we’re sending a message that Delaware County is the right place to invest in people, our region’s greatest asset.”
“Delaware County Community College’s new campus in Upper Darby will serve as a beacon of opportunity, fostering innovation and skill development for years to come. The new state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance education and workforce training for our community,” Curry, vice chair of the Delaware County Delegation, said. “This investment in education reflects a commitment to the growth and development of our region. We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Shapiro and his administration for their unwavering support and dedication to advancing education and strengthening our community. “
Southeast Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Jennifer O’Mara explained that the group is both excited and proud to see this grant awarded to DCCC, as it breaks down barriers to higher education, opening doors to rewarding, high-demand careers for Delco residents. She said the county delegation members are grateful for the positive long-term impact this will have on both the community and the future workforce.
“The expansion of Delaware County Community College is a crucial investment in our community’s future. The new Southeast Center will offer cutting-edge workforce training, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand fields, opening new doors for area residents. I’m confident that this expansion will serve as a pathway to stable, good-paying jobs and a stronger local economy,” O’Mara said.
“Delaware County Community College is transformational to the communities we serve, offering accessible, affordable, high-quality education to a diverse student body,” said DCCC President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin. “This new state funding will enhance our ability to provide direct pathways to employment or further education to Delaware County residents -- and a highly skilled workforce to county businesses -- as we continue to transform the former Archbishop Prendergast High School in Upper Darby Township into a thriving, state-of-the-art education and training hub.”
O’Mara added that she and her colleagues in the Delaware County Democratic Delegation advocated for this state funding. She and the other nine group members worked together and played an important role in bringing the grant home:
- Speaker of the PA House Joanna McClinton
- State Rep. Heather Boyd
- State Rep. Gina H. Curry
- State Rep. Leanne Krueger
- State Rep. Greg Vitali
- State Rep. Carol Kazeem
- State Rep. Dave Delloso
- State Rep. Lisa Borowski
- State Rep. Regina Young
“When we work together, great things can happen. I’m thrilled that the Department of Education recognizes that DCCC does amazing things in our communities and for our young people. Education is power, so this is an investment in our future leaders and a down payment on a brighter future for all of us,” Young said.
It’s estimated the project will be completed by late 2025. More information about the project and services the new campus will offer is available by visiting https://www.dccc.edu/about/locations/southeast-campus.