Penn State Fayette mining degree now offered at Maryland college
Individuals in the Somerset County area who are looking to fast-track their way to supervisory positions in the mining industry have a new opportunity to get the education they need.
Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus Chancellor Francis Achampong and Allegany College of Maryland President Cynthia Bambara signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership May 24 in Somerset. With the arrangement, Penn State Fayette will offer the university’s associate degree in mining technology in Somerset County and offer classes at ACM’s Somerset Campus.
“Meeting the educational and workforce development needs of our communities is at the core of our mission,” Achampong said. “Being able to partner with the Allegany College of Maryland to bring our mining technology program to Somerset County demonstrates our commitment in this regard.”
The partnership evolved in response to requests from the local mining industry in Somerset County, which wanted local residents to have an opportunity to pursue the unique degree program closer to home.
“We’re delighted to have a memorandum of understanding for the needed program in this area,” Bambara said. “It’s a win-win for the Somerset County campus of Allegany College of Maryland and Penn State Fayette.”
Penn State Fayette’s mining technology degree program trains students to assume a leadership role in the mining industry.
Prospective students have the opportunity to choose a maintenance or production focus-or a combination. The maintenance-oriented track prepares students to become maintenance supervisors, while the production-oriented track educates students to become mine supervisors or engineering aids.