WARREN — The Rural Regional College of Northern Pennsylvania is now enrolling its first-ever student body for the fall 2017 semester.
Registration deadline is Aug. 21, with classes beginning the same week. Information on classes and registration is available at www.regionalcollegepa.com.
RRC is a one-of-a-kind public college and technical school being developed to provide affordable, locally accessible associate degree and certificate programs that meet the needs of students and employers in Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Venango and Warren counties. It was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in May.
“RRC is an innovative, new approach to education and training being developed to fill a critical gap for our region’s people, businesses and communities,” explained Duane Vicini, RRC project executive. “For students, RRC will provide affordable, nearby education and training linked to jobs in the region. And for local employers, RRC can be a much-needed source of the kinds of skilled workers required to thrive in today’s economy.”
For fall 2017, RRC is offering classes in partnership with Gannon University, transitioning students from a successful pilot program, the Educational Consortium of the Upper Allegheny. RRC will begin independently enrolling students in fall 2018.
RRC is offering nine courses in two associate degree programs, business management and interdisciplinary studies, in fall 2017. Additional associate degree and certificate programs will be added in future semesters as the school develops and grows.
RRC has an open admissions policy for adult students with high school degrees or GEDs.
RRC is designed to be affordable, with state funding keeping tuition costs low. For students with a high school diploma or GED, the cost is $180 per credit. For high school students, the cost is $60 per credit. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available.
One of RRC’s most unique features is the accessibility it provides through its innovative local delivery model. RRC instructors teach classes live, with interactive television (ITV) allowing simultaneous viewing and interaction with students in classrooms across the region. For fall 2017, classes will be offered in the evenings at 17 locations, including Bradford, Coudersport, Emporium, Kane, Port Allegany, St. Marys and Smethport.
“Individuals looking to further their educations and start or advance their careers near home should visit the RRC website at www.regionalcollegepa.com or contact our Vice-President of Academics and Student Affairs, Dr. Debra Teachman, at 814-230-9010 or the RRC enrollment advisor, Jocelyn Hamilton Bash, at 814-603-1229, jhamilton.bash@ecuapa.org,” said RRC’s Chairperson, Retired State Senator Mary Jo White. “At RRC, we are here to make education work for you.”
