Colcom Foundation Furthers Cordelia Scaife May’s Values With $1 Million Dollar Investment In Education

In January 2024, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) unveiled its Center for Education, Innovation & Training (CEIT), marking a significant leap forward in workforce development. The construction of this 60,000-square-foot facility at CCAC’s Allegheny Campus was made possible through substantial investments from various partners, including a generous $1 million donation from Colcom Foundation. Colcom Foundation, a philanthropic organization created by the late Cordelia Scaife May, has long been committed to fostering sustainable futures through strategic giving.

The CEIT is designed to be more than just a building; it is a hub where education, industry, and innovation intersect. With cutting-edge facilities and technology, the center offers programs in high-demand and emerging fields. These include Computer Information Technology programs like Cybersecurity Support and Software Development, Culinary programs such as Baking & Pastry Arts and Foodservice & Restaurant Management, and Skilled Trades programs like Mechatronics and Additive Manufacturing. The programs are tailored to equip students with the skills needed to excel in rapidly evolving industries.

From state-of-the-art kitchen laboratories for culinary students to specialized facilities used in Industry 4.0—including 3D printing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, machine learning, and robotics and automation—the center ensures that learners are well-prepared for the workforce. Their comprehensive approach integrates workforce development with industry-recognized credentials and credit degrees, providing students with job-ready training and educational pathways designed for career success.

Cutting-edge technology and Learning Environments

CEIT is committed to providing its students with the latest technologically advanced learning environments. The Mechatronics program focuses on additive manufacturing, using SolidWorks software and Dremel and Stratasys 3D printers.

The Computer Networking Technology Lab is a fully-equipped space that simulates real-world network operations. With its network operations center, Dell servers, and Cisco networking equipment, students gain hands-on experience that directly translates to industry needs. The center’s technological arsenal includes CNC machining, machine learning systems, robotics, automation, and even a scanning electron microscope for cutting-edge research.

Culinary Arts and Cultural Enrichment

CEIT’s culinary facilities stand out as another highlight. Three custom-designed kitchen laboratories linked to a full dining room, offer the culinary students an authentic professional environment. The setup enables aspiring chefs and restaurateurs to stage pop-up restaurants, providing invaluable real-world experience in culinary arts, baking and pastry, and food service management.

Beyond its role as an educational hub, the center also houses an impressive art collection, featuring works by artists with strong ties to the college and the city. The integration of art and education creates a holistic learning environment, with self-guided tours and an online catalog.

A Collaborative Vision Realized

The Center for Education, Innovation & Training at CCAC represents a significant step forward in workforce development for the region. The project, part of CCAC’s “Pioneering Pittsburgh’s New Workforce Campaign,” has garnered broad support, including contributions from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Urban Initiatives, and numerous private donors.

Among the major contributors, Colcom Foundation’s $1 million donation is a powerful investment in the community’s future.

In every initiative it undertakes, Colcom Foundation strives to further its founder Cordelia Scaife May’s lifelong dedication to conservation and community upliftment, particularly in Pennsylvania.

Cordelia Scaife May, a prominent philanthropist and environmentalist, was passionate about preserving natural resources and fostering sustainable communities. Her deep-rooted love for Pennsylvania’s landscapes and people guided her philanthropic efforts throughout her life. May believed in the power of education and innovation to create positive, lasting change in local communities.

The $1 million contribution to the CEIT project reflects May’s vision of a thriving, educated Pennsylvania. Through this donation, Colcom Foundation continues to uphold Cordelia Scaife May’s commitment to Pennsylvania’s future, enhancing the state’s educational landscape, contributing to its sustainable development, and in the process, allowing May’s legacy to continue to shape and uplift Pennsylvania communities, even years after her passing.