Our Story
Our Story
The roots of the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College began with a group of four highly motivated and engaged professionals working with postsecondary education in Northern Pennsylvania. Dr. Richard McDowell, Dr. Fran Grandinetti, Ms. Deborah Pontzer, and Ms. Helene Nawrocki, saw the need for accessible and affordable postsecondary options for young people and adults in the more rural areas of northern Pennsylvania. Senator Joseph Scarnati saw the value of these efforts and supported a feasibility study of postsecondary education needs in this region.
NPRC's History
Following the study in 2009, Senator Scarnati aided in establishing the Educational Consortium of the Upper Allegheny (ECUA) to find a process through which smaller communities can be provided postsecondary education in an effective and efficient manner without pulling students away from their communities. The ECUA hired Duane Vicini, former Forest County Schools superintendent, to lead the project with a goal of bringing open admission, low-cost, high-quality post-secondary education to communities that have never been served by these opportunities. Moving forward, this project involved identifying and connecting with higher education partners that could provide classes using a media-based, real-time education model with an affordable tuition rate.
Additional feasibility studies were performed in 2011 by the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee – “The Need for Public Community College Programs in Rural Pennsylvania” – and one in 2013 by the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) – “Providing Educational Opportunity – The Viability of a Regional Community College in the Upper Allegheny Region.” Both studies revealed similar themes and identified common needs. The finding – there exists a need for affordable, accessible technical and associate degree programs in northwestern Pennsylvania and they are critical to the region’s economic recovery.
In the summer of 2013, PA Senate Bill 1000 was introduced to address the long-term goal of the ECUA and provide a permanent solution to the above finding. A companion House Bill was proposed in spring of 2014. Operating as the Rural Regional College of Northern Pennsylvania, the legislation was enacted in 2014 and incorporated into the PA Public School Code as Article XIX-G in July 2016. A College Plan was written and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the college was officially established in May 2017.
Empowered by a Welcoming Community
Since, the name of the college has been updated to the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College and following a few semesters of engagement with a community college, the ECUA released a request for proposals seeking a new partner. After reviewing submitted proposals, Gannon University was selected and established the initial portfolio of degree programs for the College. A few years later, a College Plan was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the college, operating as the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, was established in May 2017. NPRC began operating as an independent institution in January 2020. NPRC is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to grant degrees and certificates, and is proudly pursuing institutional accreditation.
Through NPRC, students can enjoy a live classroom atmosphere at an affordable price. Contact a Student Success Specialist today for more information regarding Admissions and Enrollment.
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
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