Creating Viable and Stable Communities Through Education

By Pamela A. DeLissio

Lifelong learning is a must; from Pre-K through Elderhostel.

An educated citizenry has a high return on investment (ROI) and would help to ensure that our communities thrive.

An educated citizenry:

-Earns sustainable wages
-Pays taxes to support public services
-Spends money to drive the economy
-Makes the time to be civically engaged
-Makes the effort to support community initiatives

Learning is a lifelong event.

Older adults learn for the sheer enjoyment of learning via Elderhostel opportunities.

Children who are in pre-K programs perform better when they enter elementary school.

There are many who have lost their jobs of 10, 20 or more years and need to learn a new skill set to remain competitive in the workforce. Now more than ever, Pennsylvanians must have the opportunity to learn new trades and skills quickly and cost effectively.

To achieve this end, I support well-funded and accessible community colleges and accelerated degree programs that partner with employers to prepare individuals to meet the demands of an ever changing economy.

I support early childhood education and would support legislation that requires full day kindergarten.

We are as strong as our weakest link; we can strengthen community through education.