The Sun-Gazette has emphasized — and will continue to emphasize — that jobs, workers, housing and energy are critical components of the revitalization or sustainability of our region.

Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lycoming College have consistently proven their worth as assets to our communities. A recent hearing helmed by state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township and state Sen. Dave Argall, R-Rush Township, on workforce development demonstrated this yet again.

As our reporting on that hearing in the Sept. 5 edition of the Sun-Gazette noted, Pennsylvania’s population losses and aging confronts our state’s leaders with a risk of workforce shortages.

Leaders at Lycoming College and Penn College recognize that risk, and continue to explore how to not only attract students to their colleges but encourage those students, upon completion of their studies, to remain in Pennsylvania.

“We cannot think of our system as a simple math problem that can be solved with addition and subtraction, but instead a calculus equation that has the capacity to interpret and recognize the incredibly diverse set of talents, abilities, educational attainment, levels and academic disciplines needed to ensure a durable workforce over decades, not just months and years,” Lycoming College President Dr. Charles W. Edmonds testified.

“Our goal is simple,” Penn College President Dr. Michael J. Reed said. “It’s to place our students in the most competitive position for long-term success.”

We appreciate the college presidents’ clear-headed assessments of the nuances of addressing this issue — and appreciate the leaders of both colleges and our legislators in ensuring this important component of our region’s future doesn’t fade into the background.

— Williamsport Sun-Gazette