LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
From students earning prestigious scholarships, faculty making significant contributions to their fields and CCP’s first rebrand in nearly 20 years, there has been much to celebrate this academic year. Some of the innovations, achievements and successes of our College community are included in this report, and you can find more details about our 2023–24 academic year at ccp.edu/rising.
The College is continually expanding the ways in which we are preparing citizens for their future, whether they are seeking a degree, career advancement credentials or workforce training for Philadelphia’s many in-demand industries.
Expanding access to education and career experiences through our growing partnerships, transfer agreements, scholarship offerings and volunteering efforts are providing students with opportunities that further prepare them for the competitive career environments and further studies.
We hope you’ll learn more about the unique opportunities CCP provides to students and the community.
Learn more about who we are at ccp.edu/Who.
DR. DONALD GUY GENERALS
President, Community College of Philadelphia
Who is Community College of Philadelphia?
Community College of Philadelphia is the only public, open-admission institution in the city. We believe in providing accessible, quality educational opportunities for all who seek them.
CCP is where Philadelphians turn when they’re looking for a fresh start, a pivot or the momentum to keep moving forward. The diverse experiences of our students, faculty and staff contribute to a dynamic, welcoming community both in and out of the classroom.
Learn more about CCP below.
CCP AT A GLANCE
We are the largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia and the sixth largest in Pennsylvania. We have served more than 685,000 students since 1965 and currently offer more than 100 associate degree, academic and proficiency certificate programs.
We are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with MSCHE reaffirming the College’s accreditation in 2023.
Graduate Successes
The Class of 2023 is significantly contributing to the Philadelphia region. Here’s how:
Academic Successes Advance our Community
Students, faculty and staff achievements throughout the year illustrate the dedication and excellence of our community. From recognizing graduate milestones to hiring additional faculty, CCP continues to reach new heights in serving Philadelphia.
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
OUR CLASS OF 2024
1,465 graduates
1,543 degrees
2024 Student Speaker Moo Muhammad is Ready for Drexel
Moo earned a degree in Cybersecurity with High Honors, was active in several student clubs, and received scholarships to help him reach his academic goals. He is interested in eventually earning a Ph.D.
"I would recommend CCP because you can build a foundation of friends, family, and a professional network needed for the next College and beyond. Thanks to mentors, friends, and faculty, I've been prepared extremely well," said Moo.
Recognizing Our First-generation Graduates
The College congratulated graduates who were the first in their families or households to earn a degree with a celebratory event. To mark this milestone, students received a certificate of completion and gift swag bags while enjoying pizza and snacks.
GRADUATE HIGHLIGHTS
Tracey Downing: Overcoming Adversity
Now that Tracey has earned her Behavioral Health/Human Services degree, she plans to help people as a support specialist—just like others have helped her throughout her life.
Sonniyrah Marie D'Huguenoir: Finding the Right Career Path
For all her hard work, Sonniyrah graduated in May with a Liberal Arts degree and a commitment to earn her doctorate degree in Psychiatry. She said the last decade has been one of self-discovery, something that was essential to her success in the classroom and in life.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
46 percent of students graduating from transfer programs moved on to their next institution within six months, and nearly 60 percent of all students transfer after graduating from the College.
TOP FIVE TRANSFER INSTITUTIONS
NEW FACULTY AND ADVISORS HIRED TO ENHANCE STUDENT SUCCESS
Almost 20 new faculty and advisors have joined the College this fall, bringing their expertise, experiences, and enthusiasm to students and colleagues.
Nwenna Gates started at the College as a part-time faculty member and has joined CCP full time, teaching English and Black Studies courses. Nwenna chose to stay at CCP and continue contributing to students’ learning experiences.
ELIXIR: LIBERAL STUDIES NETWORKING MIXER PROVIDING STUDENT SUPPORT AND SUCCESS
Students in the Liberal Arts, Communications, Black Studies, English, Creative Writing, ASL, and Religious Studies programs were invited to mingle with other students, alumni, faculty from CCP and four local colleges, and professionals in their fields, at this fall event.
Meeting peers and others within the Liberal Studies academic community allowed students to create connections and build relationships helpful for support and career insights.
Ledisi and Patti LaBelle visited the College’s recording studio in July 2024
SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND PHILADELPHIA MUSICIANS: SPRING GARDEN RECORDS
A state-of-the-art studio benefitting students in the Music Performance and Sound Recording and Music Technology programs enables individuals to use the latest music production equipment and learn about the industry. Spring Garden Records hosts a range of local artists, and the Artist in Residence program allows students to learn from and work with musicians with various professional experiences. Ben O’Neill, the 2023–24 Artist in Residence, hosted panel discussions, recorded on the SGR label and assisted students with their musical creations.
New Partnerships Expand Opportunities
Combining goals and resources with other higher education institutions and organizations benefits those involved and the entire city. We’re proud to team up with those who share our mission of educating residents and creating career pathways.
Expanding Access to Education with 12 Plus
A signing ceremony with community organization 12 Plus forged our first community partnership to better support students as they access higher education and break the cycle of poverty.
New Agreement with Lincoln University to Help Students Earn Nursing Degree
Lincoln University, a historically Black university in Chester County, shut down its Nursing program last spring. With the newly created partnership between Community College of Philadelphia and Lincoln University, students pursuing a career in nursing at Lincoln can advance after graduation to a 15-month program at CCP. The Philadelphia Inquirer covered the agreement signing.
The Life-changing Power of Scholarships
More than 100 scholarships are available to help students pay for their education while studying at the College and continuing their education after graduation. Scholarships are one of the many resources at CCP assist our students in realizing their academic goals.
FOR THE 2023–24 ACADEMIC YEAR:
Students who
received scholarships:
2,093
students
Octavius Catto
Scholarship students:
1,643
students
Total dollar amount of
scholarships awarded:
$6,933,313
Average dollar
amount received:
$3,312
Scholarship Highlights
The Octavius Catto Scholarship continues to make a difference in the lives of Philadelphians. Annette Ramirez is a recent CCP graduate and Catto Scholar.
As a Renaissance Scholars school through Beyoncé's BeyGOOD Foundation, Community College of Philadelphia received $100,000 in grants for student scholarships. BeyGOOD Foundation representatives made a special trip to CCP ahead of Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour stop in Philadelphia last year. Several students and staff members also received tickets to the concert.
Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room presented a $50,000 gift to CCP to establish the Ed Hermance Scholarship, which will provide financial assistance to incoming and current students. LGBTQ+ students and students from under-represented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Philadelphia Gay News covered the check presentation.
During Commencement, Dr. Generals was able to announce that David Emdin received the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which can provide as much as $55,000 per year for two to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree. He also earned scholarships through Strong Men, Strong Lives, Strong Futures; the Black Faculty and Staff Alliance Scholarship; the Donald Slavin Scholarship; and the Workforce Development Programs Scholarship.
“It’s a community college, so it’s a community. That’s the key word. They’re there to help you, they want to help you. All you have to do is show up, choose what you want to do, and just continue,” David said.
Gates Scholarship Winners:
Antoinette Ellis and Ameerah Martin
Antoinette graduated as a Parkway Center City Middle College dual enrollment student at the top of her class, and Ameerah completed the Senior Year Only Program, also for dual enrollment students.
Hands-on Training for In-demand Fields
Our career preparation programs enable individuals to receive the specific training required for several in-demand careers.
CCP Teams Up with Google for Career Certificates
Lawmakers joined representatives from CCP and Google to announce Google Career Certificates. This offering enables students to learn skills to qualify for well-paying jobs while earning an industry-recognized credential. Local news agencies, including NBC 10, The Philadelphia Tribune, and WHYY and more, covered the announcement.
Job Training for Cell and Gene Therapy
The Aseptic Technician program graduated its first cohort during the 2023-24 academic year, bringing higher education and industry together to break down entry barriers for Philadelphians seeking family-sustaining jobs in life science industries. WHYY spoke with program graduate Ashanti Parham.
Welding Student Sparks Success
Camyra Sawyer is the first woman to complete the College’s Welding Technology program at the Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC), and she is already working full time in the welding industry. WHYY interviewed Camyra and her welding instructor, David Poe.
Continued Growth at Our Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC)
Degree and training programs at CATC have experienced increases this year.
Enrollment growth in all three of our Automotive Technology associate degree programs:
Toyota T-TEN
45
students
55
students
Medium and Heavy Truck Technology
9
students
20
students
Automotive Technology
45
students
55
students
Workforce Development
74%
of all Workforce Development seats were filled between FY 2023-24
5
Welding sections ran during FY 2023-24 with 78% of seats filled
5
Dental Assistant program cohorts ran during FY 2023-24, with 77% of seats filled
Participating in the Life of Our College
Connecting with one another through events, initiatives, and programming furthers learning and builds relationships within our community.
Inaugural Men of Color Conference Emphasized Goals and Career Pathways
Dozens of high school students attended the Men of Color: Engage, Educate and Empower conference on Oct. 14, with workshops designed to help participants plan for academic options leading to careers. The conference’s theme, There Must Come a Change, honored Octavius V. Catto, a civil rights leader, voting advocate and educator, who was killed in 1871 as he cast his vote on election day.
Supporting Parents in Our College Community
The Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center introduced initiatives to positively impact women and families on our campuses:
Mamava Lactation Pods are now available at all campuses for students, faculty and staff. The pods help students and employees pursue their educational goals and careers as parents.
Family Fun Day on Oct. 9 featured backyard games, balloon animals, arts and crafts, pony rides from Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, a children’s book giveaway through Treehouse Books and more. Students and staff were invited to bring their children for an afternoon of activities and fun.
All-gender Restroom Advances Inclusivity Goals
Featuring a shared sink area with floor-to-ceiling toilet stalls for complete privacy, the first all-gender restroom was completed this past fall as part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goals. Located in Bonnell, one of Main Campus’ busiest buildings, this facility illustrates one way we are creating safe spaces for all students, faculty and staff.
A Collective Read: Our One Book, One College Initiative
Free copies of The Office of Historical Corrections by award-winning author Danielle Evans were available to students, faculty, and staff before Evans visited CCP in March. She read excerpts, answered audience questions and signed books for attendees. This initiative creates awareness about themes in selected literary works for impactful discussions, with a focus on enhancing student conversations and understanding.
“Glass Slippers” Showcased Student and Faculty Talent
Written by Quinn Eli, assistant professor of English, “Glass Slippers” introduced audiences to a modern-day Cinderella story of willpower, courage and intuition. The spring production, presented by the Theater and English departments, showcased the creativity and hard work of our Theater students.
Dr. Lynsey Grace Selected as The College's First Female Athletic Director
Selected as the new Athletic director in January 2023, Dr. Grace brings 12 years of experience and service to the College and a passion for fostering excellence both in academics and athletics.
Her focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and academic achievement will provide our students with the encouragement and support they need to be successful in their sport and in the classroom.
Dental Hygiene Students Volunteer to Help Underserved Pennsylvanians
Many of our students serve others through volunteering opportunities and their academic programs. Dental Hygiene students took time on a Saturday in June to volunteer with MOM-n-PA, an organization that provides free dental treatment to those in need.
Community Engagement Advances our Mission
As the city’s only community college, we provide diverse and unique offerings for students in every stage of their lives. Getting residents involved in the happenings at our institution through events and initiatives allows us to strengthen the neighborhoods around our Main Campus and Regional Centers.
Hundreds Attend Rise. And Shine. Block Party and Brand Launch – April 11
The College unveiled its new brand and tagline, Rise from Within, with a block party in April. Students, staff and friends of the College enjoyed music, the Mad Beatz drumline, spoken word poetry from alum Eboni Johnson Ferguson and Dr. Michelle Myers, remarks from State Representative Jordan Harris, and alum Mutha Knows serving as emcee. The event featured free food and beverages; games; student resource tables; and branded T-shirts, stickers, sunglasses, and bandanas.
Our new logo, a bold “P,” stands for Philadelphia, where most of our students are from, and where most of our graduates stay. The number one helps form the P and represents the individual and collective strength of one community, one college, and one city. The light blue dot rises to the top of the “P” on the left side, signifying students’ ability to rise and relate to our new tagline.
The brand launch was covered by multiple news outlets, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Business Journal, Fox 29, WHYY, Power 99, and Philadelphia Today.
Center 1968 Launches with CROWN Act Celebration
Dozens of attendees helped the College unveil our new Center 1968, a nonpartisan training program dedicated to the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, who was sworn in as the first African American member of Congress in 1968. The event also recognized the CROWN Act passing the state House, which would prohibit discrimination based on a person’s hair type, texture or style. Special guests included Pennsylvania House of Representatives Speaker Joanna McClinton and Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, the bill’s co-sponsors; Rep. Morgan Cephas, also a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and Mayor Cherelle Parker.
How to Support the College
Our graduates keep our city moving forward. Community College of Philadelphia delivers the programs and support that prepares individuals for an in-demand career, four-year degree, job advancement or entrepreneurial venture. We partner with organizations, nonprofits, and the City of Philadelphia to provide additional training, volunteering opportunities, and connections to assistance that help students stay in school, overcome financial barriers, and thrive in their endeavors. When we enable students to rise from within, so does all of Philadelphia.
Join us to fulfill your goals and strengthen our communities.
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Pride!