The Art Barn
The Need for Community Partners
Since 1984, the Montgomery County Community College Foundation has served as the fundraising arm of the College, cultivating and securing private funding for student scholarships and a variety of academic programs. The Courage to Create Campaignis a bold step into new territory for the College and the Foundation. It is our first primarily privately-funded construction project.
The operations of the College are funded by student tuition, Montgomery County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; each traditionally providing approximately one-third of the College’s budget. Over the years, this model of funding has not been achieved. In Fiscal Year 2004-2005, together the County and State provided just over 51% of operating revenues. Public support currently does not adequately provide for technology and other capital needs, new program start-upcosts, and programs with growing costs, such as health service professions or areas that use specialized technology. In order to remain accessible, it is imperative that tuition costs not be increased beyond our students’ ability to pay.
The College cannot be fully reliant on public support. We must extend our capacity in the areas of private fundraising and grants. Constraints on public funds show no sign of abating.
Each year, the College welcomes more students who are seeking a quality education and a better life. Montgomery County Community College is challenged to continue to grow and serve County residents. These challenges cannot be met with public funds alone. Philanthropic dollars will be required. The Courage to Create Campaign will allow us to serve the common good of Montgomery County, to ensure the College’s future development and to strengthen the County’s workforce and quality of life.
