October 20, 2005
COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP RECEIVES GRANT TO PROMOTE BUSINESS TO BUSINESS INDUSTRY

Contact: Terry Gillen, 215-218-3886



COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP RECEIVES GRANT TO PROMOTE BUSINESS TO BUSINESS INDUSTRY

PHILADELPHIA, PA—October 19, 2005--

A group of colleges and universities in the greater Philadelphia region has received a grant to develop a strategic industry partnership in the business-to-business industry. The grant was announced last month by Governor Edward G. Rendell as part of his Job Ready PA workforce development initiative to support workforce development.

The Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development will receive $42,000 to create an Industry Advisory Team in the business-to-business industry, which include transportation and logistics. The Collegiate Consortium includes Drexel University, Bucks County Community College, Camden County College, Delaware County Community College, Montgomery County Community College and Community College of Philadelphia.

“These grants will bring employers with common interests together,” Governor Rendell said. “Bringing employers together to form strategic partnerships will not only create new jobs, but also foster innovation and give Pennsylvania a competitive advantage in global markets.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to work with major employers in this region,” said Terry Gillen, CEO of the Collegiate Consortium. “The business-to-business sector is a growth industry for this state. Gillen said that the Collegiate Consortium would host several small meetings with businesses and local chambers of commerce to address the training and education needs of the transportation and logistics industry.”

Among other things, industry partnerships can identify training needs and skill gaps; help connect young people to careers; help educational and training institutions align curriculum with industry demand; address recruiting and retention of workers and develop career ladders within and across companies; highlight best practices; and promote communications among companies.

The Collegiate Consortium is the Philadelphia area¹s largest continuing education and training resource for businesses and their employees, offering 6,500 courses and certificate or degree programs. The Consortium brings together the educational offerings of six institutions of higher learning: Drexel University, Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, Bucks County Community College, Camden County College and Montgomery County Community College. The Consortium offers training and education at the site of the business or at one of its 60 satellite centers. For more information call 215-218-3886 or visit collegiateconsortium.org