Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) announced today that it will embark on a statewide stakeholder engagement tour to gather input on the creation of a new strategic plan for higher education in Pennsylvania. Established under the Public School Code after Governor Josh Shapiro’s calls to reform postsecondary education in Pennsylvania, SBHE will provide the capacity and the support that higher education leaders need to develop a statewide strategic plan for the sector and work together to achieve goals critical to the Commonwealth.
The State Board of Higher Education has been charged with charting a course for higher education over the next several years based on input from those deeply invested in its success—students, faculty, the business community, organized labor, legislators, members of the Shapiro Administration, and higher education leaders.
“In his first budget address, Gov. Shapiro called on state leaders to rethink higher education in the Commonwealth. Over the past two years, we brought together dozens of vested partners to have meaningful conversations about higher education in Pennsylvania, and to build on the Administration’s plan for higher education. In this next phase of its work, the Board will deepen its engagement with the public to gather the best ideas about how to strengthen and support the higher education sector and galvanize economic and workforce development,” said Executive Director of the Board Dr. Kate Shaw. “Through this process, we can chart a course for our colleges and universities to work together toward a more prosperous Pennsylvania.”
Regional public hearings, a public survey, and informal listening sessions will ensure that the Board receives substantial feedback on the strategic plan and the six draft goals it recently adopted, including: increasing postsecondary credential attainment, ensuring affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials, supporting the economic development needs of the Commonwealth, supporting the workforce development needs of the Commonwealth, ensuring accountability and efficient use of state funds, and strengthening the fiscal health and stability of the higher education sector.
The regional public hearings will occur over the next several months on the following dates and locations:
- March 20 at Penn State University
- March 27 at Luzerne County Community College
- April 17 at St. Joseph’s University
- April 24 at Community College of Allegheny County
- May 13 at Penn West University
Additional information and a link to register to attend a hearing can be found on the SBHE website.
The State Board of Higher Education is charged with adopting a strategic plan by September 2025.
In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Governor Josh Shapiro has continued his support for public higher education, calling for a $13 million increase for community colleges, a $40 million increase for PASSHE universities, and $60 million to be distributed via performance-based funding for Pitt, Penn State, and Temple.