Montgomery County Community College is joining Pennsylvania’s community colleges in announcing a new partnership with Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses to expand educational opportunities in the state and eliminate barriers to degree completion among college students.

The collaboration builds upon longstanding relationships between Penn State and community colleges and a shared commitment to access and affordability in higher education.

As part of the new initiative, individual Penn State Commonwealth Campuses and Pennsylvania’s community colleges will renew or enter into new articulation agreements using to streamline the process for students to transfer from community colleges to the Commonwealth Campuses.

The community colleges and Commonwealth Campuses will work together to strengthen academic advising and transition support services.

“This initiative will facilitate a smooth transfer process, creating convenient, affordable pathways for Montco graduates who seek to continue their education at one of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses, especially those near our campuses, such as Penn State Abington, Penn State Brandywine or Penn State Berks,” said Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President.

“We’re pleased to support this partnership, expanding transfer options for community college graduates to achieve their educational and career goals.”

The initiative also promotes the availability of Penn State RaiseMe Transfer Scholarships, which enable students who enroll at Pennsylvania community colleges and transfer to Penn State Commonwealth Campuses to earn a baccalaureate degree at considerable savings.

Students can start earning a Penn State RaiseMe scholarship while working toward graduation at a community college. They earn micro-scholarships for achievements such as getting good grades, participating in co-curricular activities or volunteering in the community. 

When they transfer to Penn State Commonwealth Campuses, the micro-scholarships are converted to a Penn State scholarship.

The Penn State Commonwealth Campus and community college partnership also establishes a common dual admission program.

Pennsylvania community college students with a high school degree who are enrolled in an associate degree program may request dual admission to a designated Penn State Commonwealth Campus and receive a conditional offer of admission to that campus.

During their last semester of community college enrollment, these students will submit a transfer application at no fee.

They will be guaranteed admission into a parallel bachelor’s degree program at that campus, provided certain eligibility requirements have been met. Students can learn more about this opportunity at Penn State’s undergraduate admissions website.

For additional information about transfer options to Penn State Commonwealth Campuses, visit Montgomery County Community College’s website.

Montgomery County Community College