Bill would allow private schools to create branch campuses

Sens. Camera Bartolotta (R- Monongahela) and Jim Brewster (D- McKeesport) recently introduced legislation that would permit private-licensed schools to create branch campuses in different counties.

Private licensed schools in Pennsylvania are postsecondary institutions that offer career training and can offer diplomas or certificates. The schools must be licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, but do not receive financial aid or loan programs from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The board is staffed by the Division of Higher and Career Education.

Technical schools under the current law are only permitted to establish branch campuses within the same county as the primary site. For a second, out-of-county location schools must secure another independent license

The bill allows schools to create branch campuses in other counties within 60 miles of the primary location.

“The current approach to branch campuses robs many Pennsylvanians of an opportunity to advance their education and train for family-sustaining careers,” Bartolotta said. “We should be encouraging schools to expand quality job training programs throughout the state instead of hampering their ability to strengthen our workforce.”

The bill will afford opportunities for valuable training in the state’s education system, Brewster said.

Bartolotta is chairwoman of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.