Ciresi, Hanbidge applaud $444K grant for Montgomery County Community College

HARRISBURG, Aug. 3 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi and Liz Hanbidge, both D-Montgomery, applauded a substantial grant awarded today to Montgomery County Community College.

The funding total of $443,597 will assist in implementation of public health and safety plans to help resume operations this fall. It will be used to help keep students, faculty and staff safe and assist in meeting the unique challenges of providing education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Whether our postsecondary institutions offer in-person or online classes – MCCC has already indicated most of its fall courses will be offered online – this grant will go a long way to ensuring the safety and instructional needs of the students and faculty is met,” said Ciresi, whose 146th Legislative District includes Pottstown, home to MCCC’s West Campus.

The funding – totaling $28 million throughout Pennsylvania – was made available through the federal CARES Act, with distribution of funds based on enrollment, socio-economic factors and more.

“The pandemic has negatively impacted our economy and educational and career opportunities for many Pennsylvanians. Grants like these will help MCCC and other statewide institutions continue to educate students in a safe and effective manner,” said Hanbidge, whose 61st Legislative District is home to the college’s Central Campus in Blue Bell. “Keeping these classrooms – even virtual ones – running safely and smoothly means so much to our overall recovery efforts and is a direct investment in our commonwealth's and our constituents' futures.”

The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds can be used for purchasing protective equipment, hand sanitizer and cleaning products; equipment or technology to take classrooms online; installation of barriers or other protective devices in building structures; or to purchase health apps to assist in contact tracing and health monitoring of students.