DCCC’s Building Community Campaign: A Life-Changing investment in the Community

DCCC’s Building Community Campaign: A Life-Changing Investment in the Community

LAURA CHISHOLM, EdD
Executive Director, DCCC Educational Foundation

Delaware County Community College’s Building Community Campaign is a bold, $7.5 million fundraising initiative designed to increase access, expand opportunity, and strengthen workforce readiness across Delaware and Chester Counties. While more than $6.9 million has been raised for a wide range of institutional needs, the campaign’s most urgent priority is securing $5 million in capital funding for the Southeast Center, a new state-of-the-art facility opening in early 2026. To date, just under $1 million has been raised toward the capital goal, meaning significant work remains to ensure the Center is fully furnished, equipped, and student-ready from day one.

“This is an ambitious and deeply impactful campaign,” said Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President of DCCC. “The Southeast Center will open new doors for students, serve the region’s evolving workforce needs, and stand as a beacon of educational opportunity. We’re grateful to all who have supported this effort and invite others to join us in shaping the future of our community.”

Progress and Impact

The Southeast Center will be a transformative resource for students and the broader region. Strategically located at the site of the former Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, the center will expand programming and workforce training opportunities in high-priority fields and equip thousands of students with the skills necessary to meet the evolving demands of local industries. There will be hands-on learning spaces, including a full culinary demonstration kitchen, advanced healthcare simulation labs, and specialized training areas for emerging technologies, ensuring students graduate with real-world experience and industry-specific skills.

The front door of the former Archbishop Prendergast building.

Students in a variety of programs will directly contribute to the local economy and workforce:

Nursing and allied health students who train in advanced simulation labs will enter hospitals already familiar with cutting-edge medical equipment and patient care scenarios.
Culinary students who benefit from the demonstration kitchens will help address hospitality workforce shortages, particularly as the region prepares for major upcoming events like America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations.
Workforce development students in fields such as advanced manufacturing, IT, and skilled trades will provide much-needed talent for the area’s growing industries.
STEM students will gain hands-on experience in labs outfitted with the latest technology, preparing them for careers in research, engineering, and high-tech fields.

Beyond the Southeast Center, the campaign will also support:

Workforce Development – By fostering strong partnerships with local employers and industries, the College prepares students for high-demand careers that drive economic growth. Investments in cutting-edge training facilities, industry certifications, and internship opportunities ensure that students are workforce-ready upon graduation.
Student Access & Success – The College provides critical financial resources so students can focus on their education without being derailed by life’s unexpected challenges. Scholarships, emergency funds and student support services are vital in helping students stay in school and graduate. This pillar of the campaign ensures that financial barriers do not hinder students from achieving their academic and career aspirations.

We are seeing firsthand how this campaign is already making an impact. From scholarship opportunities to new partnerships with local employers, every dollar donated helps shape a brighter future for our students and our region. The Southeast Center will be a game-changer for workforce development, but we need continued community investment to make this vision a reality.

Engaging Donors and the Community

Philanthropy has played a crucial role in driving the campaign forward, with contributions from individuals, businesses and alumni who believe in the power of education to transform lives. Ray Toto, a former member of the Educational Foundation Board who now serves on the College’s Board of Trustees, has been a passionate advocate for the campaign.

“As someone who has witnessed the incredible impact of DCCC on students and families, I can confidently say that this campaign is one of the most meaningful investments our community can make,” he said. “Every contribution, big or small, fuels economic mobility and creates lasting opportunities for future generations. Supporting this campaign is about strengthening our region’s workforce and ensuring that students have access to the tools they need to succeed.”

Naming opportunities remain available for those looking to leave a lasting legacy, whether by dedicating a building space or establishing a scholarship. Every gift helps push the campaign closer to its final goal, ensuring that DCCC remains a beacon of opportunity, innovation and excellence.

A Call to Action

For both longtime supporters and first-time donors, giving to the campaign will directly impact students, businesses and the region’s economic future.

“This is a pivotal moment for DCCC and our community,” Dr. Cronin said. “By joining us in this effort, you are not just funding a campaign but transforming lives. Together, we can build a stronger future.”

To learn more about the campaign, available naming opportunities, or ways to contribute, visit dccc.edu/campaign or contact the Educational Foundation at advance@dccc.edu. Every dollar counts. Your support will help ensure that DCCC remains at the forefront of education and workforce development.