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York College Offers First Community and Economic Impact Report

August 18, 2021
2016-2021 Community and Economic Impact Report

YORK, Pa. – York College has prepared its first Community and Economic Impact Report to share the effects of its reach and contributions on the local community.

The Report is a summary of the economic, social, and cultural impact of the College that presents a number of key findings and provides an overview of some of the many and varied ways in which the College, its staff, and students generate economic benefit and wider social and cultural value.

Economic impact is shared through discussion of the College’s investment in revitalization, creation of jobs, and attraction of visitors and new residents. A substantial section includes the College’s contribution in terms of intellectual capital, as York’s faculty pride themselves on being generous scholars who use their expertise and research to benefit the community.

Through its culture of entrepreneurship, York College positively impacts the community in several ways. The J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship provides resources for students from all majors and community members seeking to start and accelerate businesses. The Graham Innovation Scholars (now the Graham Collaborative Innovation Fellows) and Engaged Scholars are introduced to project-based learning each fall as they collaborate with local leaders to impact important community efforts.

Community impact is also discussed, including the work of the Center for Community Engagement (CCE), which serves as a center for fostering connections between York College and the community at large. The CCE is home to the Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy, through which faculty and students complete original research and policy analysis and development for governmental and nongovernmental partners. The CCE also coordinates community-based learning opportunities that engage students and faculty in shared problem-solving, connecting them with organizations, businesses, and initiatives, and helping students learn by applying classroom lessons to community needs.

The cultural impact of York College highlights Marketview Arts, a creative hub for students, faculty, professional artists, and community members that hosts curated exhibitions and programs that encourage conversations about social and global issues. In addition, through the CCE’s events and its Cultural Series, the College explores topics in art, film, music, theatre, sustainability, and the humanities.

“. . . the real impact of York College goes well beyond the number of degrees conferred and our fiscal impact on the tax rolls,” said President Pamela Gunter-Smith. “It lies within our capacity to build strong relationships with entities in our community, creating the many opportunities that contribute to economic and social growth in York and throughout our region as we educate our students.”