Today,
more than ever, students are discovering the advantages of starting their education at a community college. Small
class sizes, close proximity to home, and affordable prices are strong reasons to make that choice. Since
1998, the Lawrence County Learning Center has been providing space, at no charge, to area colleges who provide post-secondary
opportunities.
The Learning Center is one of nine Education Councils in the State of Pennsylvania; and is funded through the
Pennsylvania Department of Education. Through Community Education Councils, Pennsylvania makes needed educational
programs more accessible to communities. With the infusion of commonwealth funds, CEC’s have been
successful in coordinating educational offerings and student services from a wide variety of providers.
Since moving to their 131 Columbus Inner Belt site, the center
has experienced a record increase in enrollment. Of the nine councils, the Learning Center now has
the largest number of students enrolled in credit and non-credit programs.
The Learning Center partners with
Butler County Community College, Penn State Shenango, Community College of Allegheny County, the Midwestern Intermediate Unit
IV, Adult Literacy of Lawrence County, AAA, the Beaver Technology Education Center, PST…Professional Software Training
and Consulting Group, and Duquesne University Small Business Development Center. The Learning Center offers
a variety of classes during the day and evening.
Residents are taking advantage of the credit and non credit classes, computer training, business programs, workshops,
seminars, and personal enrichment programs offered at the facility. At the conclusion of the 2004-2005
academic year, over 2900 seats were filled at the Learning Center.
After several years of leasing facilities, the Learning Center has something else to celebrate. In
August 2005, the center became the new owner of their facility. By owning the facility, there is an assurance
that the Center will continue to meet the postsecondary educational needs of our community.
One of the
projects the Learning Center is working on for this year is the construction of a larger classroom on the first floor of the
facility. By expanding the classroom space, the Center will be able to provide students and educational
providers with a large first floor classroom that is handicapped accessible and will accommodate 40-50 students.
Funding for the room will be obtained through grants.
The Center is also available to local businesses for employee training programs.
