CCBC Thanks Shell Chemicals for $150,000 Donation

Monaca, PA – Demonstrating strong support for CCBC’s industry-approved Process Technology associate degree program, Royal Dutch Shell has donated $150,000 to CCBC for student scholarship assistance and state-of-the-art educational simulation equipment.

The gift will address high priority workforce needs and meet industry-specific training requirements as CCBC expands its Process Technology program. CCBC will launch a new daytime cohort of the program during the spring semester beginning on January 9, 2017. Registration is currently ongoing.

Shell’s gift will further strengthen the College’s initiatives to recruit and train a diverse, skilled workforce for career opportunities available at the new ethane cracker plant in Center Township and throughout the petrochemicals industry.

“We have been working with our Shell colleagues for several years to prepare programs and facilities appropriate to the region’s upcoming workforce needs,” said Dr. Chris Reber, CCBC President. “On behalf of the Foundation, our students, and the entire CCBC community, we thank our Shell colleagues for their generosity and partnership.”

Based on guidance from industry partner North American Process Technology Alliance, the gift from Shell will enable the College to purchase additional hands-on learning lab resources and equipment that will enhance the learning experience for process technology students.  The equipment includes an acrylic heat exchanger with shell/tube switchers, a forced-draft cooling tower, and a desktop acrylic/glass distillation unit.

“This gift is yet another tangible way we are partnering with Shell to ensure that all Beaver County residents have an accessible and affordable way to get back to work,” said John Goberish, CCBC’s Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “This generous donation will be far reaching as it allows us to expand pathways and help a larger, more diverse group of students achieve success.”

 The scholarship from Shell is available for full-time and part-time students and has second-year renewal opportunity, based on student performance.

“Beaver County owes a great debt of gratitude to the Shell Corporation, first for choosing us as the home for the cracker plant, and now again with this generous gift that will allow CCBC to train students for jobs that produce family-sustaining wages,” said George Pacinda, Chairman of the CCBC Foundation Board.

 CCBC began offering its Process Technology program in 2015 with input from industry partners including Shell, First Energy, BASF, NOVA Chemicals, c3Controls, and others in such areas as curriculum design, identification of equipment, software needs, and guest lectures from industry experts.

For more information on CCBC’s Process Technology program, visit ccbc.edu/processtech or call 724-480-3567.