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Partnership allows Pa. students to earn certifications while in college

Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a new public-private partnership between Google and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) that allows students to earn Google Career Certificates while completing their college work.

During a speech at Millersville University, Shapiro said the partnership will also allow PASSHE universities to offer credentials to the public, through non-credit courses and workshops, giving those who complete the program access to Google’s employer consortium, which helps with job searches.

“It’s time for a blueprint for higher education focused on competitiveness and workforce development, one that is grounded in access and affordability,” Shapiro said. “Today, PASSHE has given us a clear example of what that can look like in practice, by connecting classroom learning to job-ready skills development so our students get the best of both worlds.”

PASSHE is the first higher education system in Pennsylvania to partner with Google to offer Google Career Certificates. The program offers skills training in the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing & e-commerce, business intelligence, IT support, project management and user experience (UX) design, with no experience required. PASSHE will reach thousands of students and workers across the commonwealth to provide them with skills for some of the state’s most in-demand jobs.

“PASSHE is proud to partner with Google to provide students with the knowledge and skills for in-demand jobs and support the strong workforce that Pennsylvania needs,” said Cynthia Shapira, PASSHE Board of Governors chairwoman. “Offering Google Career Certificates along with our own undergraduate courses prepares students with the comprehensive education and specific skills that employers want. Additionally, non-students can prepare for entry-level jobs with the option to continue earning more advanced credentials or pursue a four-year degree.”

Participating PASSHE universities in this initial phase are Commonwealth, East Stroudsburg, Indiana, Kutztown, PennWest, Millersville, Shippensburg and Slippery Rock.

Shapiro said he believes the foundation of the economy is the workforce, and Pennsylvania’s universities play a vital role in ensuring workers are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

“Google is committed to helping people develop the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital economy. We’re excited to introduce the Google Career Certificate program to thousands of students and workers through our partnership with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, said Mark Isakowitz, vice president, Government Affairs and Public Policy. “We appreciate Governor Shapiro’s commitment to offering more pathways to great careers in Pennsylvania and we are glad to do our part. This initiative will create more economic opportunity and help more Pennsylvanians access in-demand, well-paying jobs across the state.”

Google employees developed the Google Career Certificates to support skilling for in-demand fields. The program includes an employer consortium of more than 150 companies including Pennsylvania-based companies such as SAP, Expedient, the Project Management Institute, CMI Media Group, and Google, that hire talent trained in the certificate fields.

More than 200,000 people have graduated from the program in the U.S., and 75% report a positive career impact, such as a new job, higher pay, or a promotion, within six months of completion.

Pennsylvania residents who are not enrolled at a PASSHE university can also access the certificates at nonprofit organizations throughout the state, including the YWCA, Family Promise, Raices Cyber Org, and more.

Agreements open door to music education

Recording studio at Millersville University – PHOTO/MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY –

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) music students can transition to Millersville University’s Music Industry program.

LCCC is one of three schools to enter into agreements with Millersville University (MU) to allow students with eligible associate degrees in sound recording, music technology, sound production or music to easily transfer to MU’s four-year program.

The Community College of Philadelphia and Montgomery County Community College have also signed agreements with MU.

Students with associate degrees in sound recording, music technology, sound projection or music with at least a 2.0 grade-point average to be eligible to pursue a bachelor’s degree through the Tell School of Music, MU said.

The agreement between Community College of Philadelphia was finalized on Nov. 22, 2022, followed by the agreement with Lehigh Carbon Community College on Aug. 15, 2022. Montgomery County Community College’s agreement was finalized on Jan. 20, 2023.

Millersville’s Music Industry program combines recording, live audio and music business classes into one major. Students in the program participate in the “Creative Campus” program as performers, entrepreneurs and educators, interact with visiting professionals and participate in real-world projects, the university said.

“We are thrilled to add these three schools to our reciprocal agreements,” says Dr. Barry Atticks, associate professor of music business technology at the Tell School of Music. “Students from these schools can seamlessly complete their bachelor’s in music industry degree in two years and focus on working on their craft.”

Atticks said the agreements allow students in Pennsylvania to take advantage of the Clair Brothers Music Business Technology Program at Millersville, which includes music production, live audio and music management.

These agreements support Millersville University’s efforts to enhance Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s dedication to workforce development in the state, the university said.

Lehigh Carbon CC and Millersville offer students with intellectual disabilities a path to a career

Lehigh Carbon Community College and Millersville University entered into an agreement to provide students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to achieve academic credentials.

The agreement is the first of its kind in the country and provides a smooth path for LCCC students in its Cross-Institutional Studies certificate to transfer to Millersville’s Integrated Studies, according to a statement by LCCC.

The Cross-Institutional Studies program is designed to help college students develop specific skills for entry-level positions. It offers a variety of electives in seven career areas including art, hospitality, health, general trades, educational support, technology and science. LCCC coursework and credits will transfer seamlessly to their equivalents classes at Millersville.

Millersville University’s Integrated Studies is a two- or four-year initiative for young adults with an intellectual disability. This program is the next-step college experience for students who complete LCCC’s certificate program.

“There is a growing need for inclusive higher education programs for students,” said Dr. Ann D. Beiber, LCCC president. “We are honored to be able to work with Millersville to provide students with opportunities for a college experience so they can be prepared to pursue their career interests. Millersville has been a trailblazer in this area, and LCCC students will no doubt benefit.”

The articulation agreement complements LCCC’s existing Success, Engagement, Education, Determination, or SEED, career track, and was developed with funding from the Pennsylvania Inclusive Higher Education Consortium. This program is in its sixth year at LCCC and has a retention rate of 81% with a completion rate of 69%.

“Millersville is pleased to be a part of this agreement, which will make opportunities real for students who have been marginalized. We welcome graduates from LCCC to our community of learners,” sad MU President Dr. Daniel A. Wubah. “This a great example of our (core values) regarding ‘Public Mission.’ We are responding to the needs of people in our communities while building on our long-standing relationship with LCCC.”

To qualify for the Millersville program, students must have a documented diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability, be at least 18, be able to live in student housing with limited support and have the support of their family and a desire to gain skills for independent living and employment.

For more information on the LCCC program, contact Michelle Mitchell at [email protected].

Millersville and NCC among 37 nonprofits to receive Dept. of Labor grants

Millersville University and Northampton Community College are among 37 nonprofits nationwide to receive grants from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The more than $6.7 million in grants will fund education and training programs to help workers and employers recognize infectious diseases, including coronavirus health hazards, and identify preventive measures for a safe workplace, according to a Department of Labor press release. In addition to hazard control, the training will also include understanding worker rights and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

The award includes “Workplace Safety and Health Training on Infectious Diseases, including the Coronavirus” grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The grants derive from the Susan Harwood Workplace Safety and Health Training program, named for in honor of the late Susan Harwood, former director of OSHA’s Office of Risk Assessment.

In her 17-year OSHA career, she helped develop federal standards to protect workers from bloodborne pathogens, cotton dust, benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead in construction, according to the release.

Millersville University was awarded $193,263 to offer 2 to 7 hours of COVID-19 training for 800 employees and workers in long-term care facilities. The program will target small businesses and limited English-speaking and youth workers.

Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, was awarded $151,661 to offer 3.5 to 4 hours of COVID-19 training for 700 employees and workers in the healthcare industry, including small businesses, limited English-speaking workers, low- to non-literate workers, youth, and at-risk workers.

The program funds grants to nonprofit organizations, including community and faith-based groups, employer associations, labor unions, joint labor-management associations, colleges and universities. Target trainees include small-business employers and underserved vulnerable workers in high-hazard industries. These grants are a critical element in supporting OSHA’s role in educating workers on their rights and assisting employers with providing safe workplaces.

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Millersville and NCC among 37 nonprofits to receive Dept. of Labor grants