Board members and the superintendent reported on a recent Delaware County Community College (DCCC) dinner and campus tours and encouraged Upper Darby students to pursue dual-enrollment opportunities.

Director Deborah Williams and Superintendent Daniel McGarry said they attended the DCCC dinner and toured STEM and nursing facilities, and described plans for a new DCCC building near the district’s high school. Williams said the college is offering tours of its STEM and nursing programs and is seeking increased participation from students across Delaware County.

"This community, the Upper Darby Township, is probably the number 1 total population as a community that contributes going to the community college," McGarry said, noting the long relationship between the district and the college and the value of discounted tuition for residents and dual-enrollment options.

Why it matters: Increased dual-enrollment participation during junior and senior years offers cost savings and a pathway to further education. Board members said the district will invite DCCC to present to a committee and encourage families to explore dual-enrollment and workforce programs.

What was described: Board members reported the college’s new plans and showed enthusiasm for tours of the STEM facility, nursing and trades programs, and potential expansion of dual-enrollment offerings. No timeline for the DCCC annex completion was provided in the meeting transcript.