Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce

"Every district in the county has made a concerted effort to align with Pennsylvania standards . . . to make sure that our children, upon graduation, are workforce ready."

- Jennifer L. Bowen
Pine Grove Area School District

Having an Anthracite coal heritage that lured young men from the education system by the age of 12, the Schuylkill County of today recognizes education as the key to a successful and prosperous tomorrow.

The 12 public school districts and parochial education system all place strong emphasis on meeting the needs of individual students and shaping interests and skills through comprehensive programs that develop each student's full potential.

All of the school programs introduce students to computer skills at an early age and high school curriculums are structured around basic mathematics, social studies, science and English courses. College preparatory programs emphasize additional skills. A broad range of extra-curricular and sports programs are available to all of the students for the total development of each person.

The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit # 29 - coordinates program and consultative services to the 12 public school districts, as well as operating a Special Education Program. The Intermediate Unit also operates the Schuylkill Technology Centers- www.stcenters.org - which offer a variety of short-term certificate programs for adults.

A Business/Education Partnership and the Pennsylvania CareerLink - program have been developed to assist in job skills training for local workforce demands. This partnership also focuses on career awareness, school drop-out factors and other social and education concerns of the Schuylkill County community.

Higher education is available through several facilities. Penn State Schuylkill, combines the benefits of a small-college atmosphere - allowing for more individualized teaching - along with the power and prestige of a major research university.

The courses offered at Penn State Schuylkill give students the chance to earn both Bachelor and Associate Degrees. Bachelor Degrees in General Business, Criminal Justice, Information Sciences and Technology; RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Psychology are offered at Schuylkill Campus. A Masters Degree in Teaching and Curriculum is also available at the Schuylkill Campus. The campus also offers adult education programs and customized educational services for business and industry.

In addition to Penn State Schuylkill, two-year Associate Degree programs are available through Lehigh Carbon Community College; McCann School of Business & Technology; and the Schuylkill Institute of Business and Technology.

Alvernia College Schuylkill Center - also offers 4-year degrees - Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. Masters in Business Administration and Masters in Education are available at their Schuylkill Campus.

As times have changed, so has the education system in Schuylkill County. A commitment to education with a dedication to developing the minds of young and old alike is an essential ingredient to the successful creation of the Schuylkill County of the future.

Schuylkill County School Districts