NPRC and EC3 Education Pathways
This opportunity is designed for Erie County residents interested in participating in the Paraeducator Pathway Program.
Erie County Resident's Pathway in Education
This unique and cost-saving collaboration was implemented to serve those interested in careers in education and who reside in Erie County. Through this partnership with Erie County Community College (EC3), learners can begin their journey at EC3, complete several of their general education courses there, pay little to no tuition for those general education courses, and transfer to NPRC to finish their associate degree with no loss of credit. Students completing this pathway will earn an Associate of Arts in Education Studies at NPRC, which transfers in full to a four-year college or university and can lead to NPRC alumni becoming certified teachers in Pennsylvania.
Pathway Attributes
- NPRC courses are offered asynchronously, as well as remote-synchronously via Microsoft Teams and follow the academic calendar.
- EC3 courses are offered asynchronously in eight-week terms during the same academic term as the equivalent NPRC course.
- Regardless of the education provider, courses will be applied to degree completion for students enrolled in the Paraeducators Pathway Program.
- NPRC students should contact their student advisor about their intended schedule and applying to EC3.
- Courses at EC3 are provided at no tuition cost. Additional fees for application, materials, and textbooks will apply.
Get in Touch
Jodi Guisto
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
Education Program Coordinator
Stuart Blacklaw, Ph.D.
Erie County Community College
Dean of Academics
See What Our Students Have to Say
“It was a wonderful experience here at NPRC. I learned so much and my instructor was amazing. He was knowledgeable and made sure that everything we need is uploaded online and communicates well with us. He also held us accountable to make sure we were learning and ready. I enjoyed working alongside my amazing classmates and all the different experiences they brought to the course. Everyone in our class was eager to learn and was proactive about staying up to date on what is being asked of us.”
- Marie, NPRC EMT Graduate
“Attending NPRC was truly life-changing for me and provided a foundation to pursue my passion for early childhood education. I gained the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. But it was bigger than just academics; my professors taught me valuable life lessons and instilled important values that have shaped who I am today. Overall, my college journey has not only prepared me for a successful career but has also equipped me with the mindset and tools to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.”
- Brittany, Early Childhood Education Graduate
“I had a fear that this degree would be unobtainable due to being a full-time employee and mother. With the support of family, friends, coworkers, and NPRC, I’ve gained confidence and support to continue my education.”
- Brittney, NPRC Student
“From the first time I found out about
NPRC, I knew attending college was
something I wanted to pursue because
of how genuine the first interaction was.
I’m proof that finding the right path can
be done. It’s worth it to find ways out of
situations you do not want to be in for
better ones. I can’t say enough about how
NPRC’s employees have empowered and
advocated for me.”
- Amanda, NPRC Student
"NPRC’s faculty, staff, and professors do
everything they can to see the students
succeed and provide us with exactly what
we need to do our best both inside the
classroom and out. The early childhood
education program is phenomenal. It was
a school that aided me in balancing class,
schoolwork, and my career. From the start
and throughout my time, NPRC made me
feel like I was at the right place.”
- Savannah, Early Childhood Education Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
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