Downingtown Center Hosts Workshop on
Childcare Solutions
In December 2023, the Chester County Economic Development Council held a free workshop, “Childcare: The Workforce Behind the Workforce” at the Downingtown Center. The interactive panel and roundtable discussion focused on creating and delivering tangible action-focused childcare solutions that would be beneficial to both families and employers. The event concluded with closing remarks from Jean Allison, Ph.D. , program coordinator and associate professor of Early Childhood Education, encouraging local leaders to support the education and training of Early Childhood Educators in the interest of serving our local children, families and communities.
Dr. Jean Allison stressed the importance of Early Childhood Education education and training during a workshop.
Men’s Basketball Finishes Season on Strong Note
The Phantoms men’s basketball team saved its best for last with a 67-61 victory over host Camden County College February 15, in the 2023-2024 season finale. Camden County—the seventh-ranked squad in NJCAA Division III in regard to opponent’s field-goal percentage (39.4)—was highly favored, but DCCC proved up to the task.
The season-ending victory punctuated a year of growth in Coach Dwayne Saunders’ return to the sidelines. Without a gym of their own, the squad traveled to Chester, Pennsylvania, for 6 a.m. practices and home games. The Phantoms posted their most wins since the 2019-2020 campaign while affirming that there are bright days ahead for the program.
“Although we fell short of our goal—a championship—I would like to thank our second-year student-athletes, Chase Johnson and Neville Wilkinson, for showing up and working hard every day in the classroom and on the basketball court,” Saunders said.
Neville Wilkinson defends in the team’s 75-72 season opener win vs. Luzerne County Community College.
Pennocks Bridge Center Celebrates HVAC Dual
Enrollment Students
Last fall, the faculty and students at the Pennocks Bridge Center enjoyed an evening of dinner and conversation with vice president of Branch Operations, Dr. Mary Jo Boyer and faculty member Alvin Miller, to celebrate six students on track to complete their Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate of Competency at the end of the fall semester. With this new certification achieved, the students earned college credit, can advance in their careers and stay updated on current industry standards.
Four of the six students initially joined the program as high school dual enrollment students, benefiting from Justamere Foundation funding for concurrent enrollment opportunities with DCCC; all students are recipients of the Kelleher Connect Career Opportunity Fund, a scholarship designed for students in specific technical education programs who plan to enter the workforce following program completion.
L to R: Students Hunter Fox and Juan Padron-Sanchez, faculty member Alvin Miller, and student Musa Madanat. Not pictured: Students Jesus Corona, Kyle Folk and Julian Stowell