1. The Education Council Model Kimberly Rees Executive Director, Potter County Education Council June 22, 2016 With Special Guest: Scott Graham, Northern Potter Superintendent

2. What is an Education Council Anyway? Individual, locally-controlled non-profit organizations that compete for grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and other agencies. Assess education and training needs, and partner with post-secondary and higher education providers to offer educational programs. Institutionally neutral. Serve as a vehicle for workforce development to meet current and future economic development needs. Generally found in rural, underserved areas where access to higher education is limited

3. History of the Education Council Legislative Support – State Senator John Peterson Business Support – Early 80’s - Growing businesses in Warren County could not find skilled workers, 1/3 of PA was not served Line item at the time called Rural Initiative for the 1 st 10 years. Early 90’s, Ed Council Directors meet with Harrisburg and lobbied for a line item in the state budget. Law passed in 1998 that defined Education Councils in the school code as a school entity and that are instructional neutral and a local driven board.

4. History (cont.) First 10 years, there were 5 Ed Councils The original 5 still remain but the others have changed. We need to submit a grant to PDE every year. It ensures quality and helps us justify our mission. We are not state employees and we have to prove our worth every year.

5. Locations

6. PA Department of Education http://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/College and Career Education/Pages/Community-Education-Council.aspx#.V02O2uR-doF (PDE statement in handouts)

7. Value to Pennsylvania One page sheet CEC Brochure CEC of Elk and Cameron County Information

8. Potter County Education Council Vision - To provide a full range of cost effective educational services in collaboration with area institutions of learning, businesses and industries. These services would create opportunities so that each and every Potter County resident can achieve their educational, job and life goals. Mission - Coordinate, collaborate, connect and create educational programming for the entire community.

9. PCEC Objectives  To serve as a catalyst in bringing new education and training options to the area.  To serve as a resource to businesses seeking access to workforce development training and post-secondary education.  To serve as a clearinghouse for education and training resources.  To advocate for education programs for a broad community  To help and assist all of our stakeholders in successful transitions along the ever changing educational landscape.

10. Partnerships and Programs ECUA, offer 2 Associates Degrees through Gannon University; Business Administration & Interdisciplinary Studies and will be starting an LPN program on July 5 th. Northcentral Regional Planning, Penn State Cooperative Extension, East Stroudsburg University, PA Wilds, PA Route 6 Alliance, Potter County Visitors Assoc, DCNR, Potter County Human Services, North Tier Collaborative, Clarion Small Business Development Center, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, DCED, Mansfield University, Penn College of Technology, other CEC’s. Business Education Liaison/ Career Mentors

11. Funding Sources PDE (Operational Funds) County Funding Special Projects or New Programs come from Grants

12. Regional Rural College and the Education Council Shared resources/capacity Fiscally responsible Wonderful technology infrastructure Use of CTC centers in the area

13. SWOT Activity Questions

14. Contact Information Kimberly Rees, 5 Water Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 kim@pottercountyedcouncil.org (814)274-4877