Lycoming News

A new study reveals a significant correlation between the rise in Tamaqua Area School District residents obtaining associate degrees and the Morgan Success Scholarship. This scholarship guarantees two years of free tuition for Tamaqua Area High School graduates attending Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC).

Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) commended the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of the LCCC Morgan Center at a previously vacant school and the creation of the Morgan Success Scholarship. He acknowledged contributions from the John E. Morgan Foundation, Tamaqua Area School District, LCCC, state and local officials, and various community members.

“The Tamaqua Area School District now has a higher percentage of residents who have earned an associate degree than almost any other Schuylkill County school district – it’s increased by 50% in the past decade,” said Argall. “This was truly one of the most successful efforts to breathe new life into a community that I have ever witnessed.”

Since its inception in Tamaqua, LCCC has seen over 2,200 students earn associate degrees, certificates, or diplomas at its location. A study published by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University highlights that the Morgan Success Scholarship "strongly refashions the educational trajectories of many eligible students."

The study concludes: “specifically, it leads a sizable share of students to enroll in community college who otherwise would not have enrolled anywhere, initially diverts a very large share of students from four-year colleges to community college, and considerably increases the proportion of students who earn associate degrees. After four to six years, because of the program, Tamaqua has fewer high school graduates with no postsecondary education, many more who attended community college but earned no credentials, considerably more with a terminal associate degree, and slightly fewer with a bachelor’s degree.”

CONTACT: Jim Brugger