DCCC Recognized Nationally as Center of Excellence in Education and Training for the U.S. Maritime Industry
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA - April 16, 2024)—Delaware County Community College is one of only 32 institutions nationwide to be selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as a 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE). The designation recognizes and promotes support to post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.
“The CoE designation recognizes the tremendous value that your institution provides to our nation by developing and preparing students for demanding careers in our vitally important maritime industry,” said Maritime Administrator Ann C. Phillips, in a letter to College President Marta Yera Cronin, Ed.D. “Your graduates have made outstanding contributions to the industry over the years, which is an excellent testimonial to the superior academic and professional education and training they received while attending DCCC.”
MARAD will work with the CoE designees to help advance recruitment of students and faculty, enhance facilities and award student credit for military service. The designees also potentially could receive assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of MARAD vessels.
“Our country depends on a highly skilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The 32 Centers of Excellence we're designating will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.”
DCCC has a long history of working with various segments of the Philadelphia maritime industry offering essential education, training and apprenticeships in welding, shipbuilding, foundry, rigging, safety, crane operations, industrial skills leadership, transportation and logistics, cargo and casting, and molding. The College’s training includes a welding program offered free to students by Philly Shipyard, Inc. and the College, via the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development.
“Over the years the College has forged many solid partnerships with business and industry, union, federal, state and community leaders to the benefit of thousands of students and the Greater Philadelphia region,” noted Dr. Cronin. “We are proud to once again receive this designation.”
Section 51706 of title 46 United States Code authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to designate a domestic maritime workforce training and education entity as a “center of excellence” if such entity, among other things, is demonstrably successful in maritime workforce training and education. For more information, visit maritime.dot.gov/education/maritime-centers-excellence.
