The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that the Shapiro Administration has awarded $14 million in grant funding to 15 public institutions of higher education. Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is a local recipient of $1,000,000. This funding was awarded to enable more high school students to enroll in dual credit programs across the Commonwealth, giving them more opportunities to chart their own course and prepare for successful careers.
“Dual credit programs open doors for students to get a head start on college and career success,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “By investing in these opportunities, we’re helping more young people—especially those historically underrepresented in higher education—access in-demand courses that lead to credentials and careers our workforce needs. It’s about expanding opportunity and creating pathways to a future they choose.”
Dual credit programs improve student outcomes by enabling them to take college courses and earn credits for both high school and college – while still in high school. Dual credit offerings improve academic achievement, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and college completion rates. To enable more underrepresented students, access to dual credit programs, in July 2024 the School Code established the Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to provide funding for public colleges and universities to increase capacity to provide dual credit courses.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal builds on his commitment to creating prosperous pathways for learners across the Commonwealth. The Governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget includes continued support for public higher education, calling for a $13 million increase for community colleges, a $40 million increase for PASSHE universities, and $60 million to be distributed via performance-based funding for Pitt, Penn State, and Temple.
NPRC will make dual enrollment courses free for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years and will expand offerings in science, technology, engineering, math, and continuing education coursework. Additionally, the College plans to expand course offerings through our Runways Program and asynchronous courses, develop career pathways and work-ready certificates to be earned for students while still in high school, develop certificates in emerging technical areas, and continue advancing towards accreditation with the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
Vice President of Academics, Dr. Ben Malczyk, shared, “These grant funds can be transformational for individual students, schools, and our region. Using these funds will enable NPRC to provide increased opportunities, especially career-aligned opportunities for all students. The impact of this grant will be seen as more students access affordable college and career pathways with no debt. What makes our effort unique is the collaboration with more than 20 school districts and career and technical education centers across all ten counties in our service area.”
NPRC acknowledges that the information contained in this content is complete and accurate at time of publication. It is descriptive in nature and the College reserves the right to make any adjustments it deems necessary or desirable. Updates to programs, tuition, or other academic-related items will be reflected in the online College Catalog or on the respective College web pages. Questions regarding accuracy of content may be emailed to marketing@rrcnpa.org.