Delaware County Community College Holds Tour of New Southeast Campus Site at Former Archbishop Prendergast High School in Upper Darby
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA • August 11, 2021)—At the invitation of Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black, elected government officials, business and industry leaders, local school district representatives, as well as college trustees and administrators toured the future home of the College’s proposed new Southeast Campus at the site of the former Archbishop Prendergast High School, 401 North Lansdowne Avenue in Upper Darby Township.
“This site has been an important part of this community for many, many years, serving as an orphanage, a school and even a community garden. We are excited to continue this legacy of service as we fulfill the mission of Delaware County Community College, which is to provide equitable access to affordable, high-quality teaching and learning that enables students to achieve their academic or career goals,” said Dr. Gates Black to the group of dignitaries who gathered under a tent outside the school yesterday before the tour.
Delaware County Community College Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Scott said the College selected the location for its new Southeast Campus because the majority of the College’s students live and work in the Delaware County local communities nearby. “In building this new campus, the College is making a promise to our students, our communities, the businesses and industries we partner with, and the entire region. That promise is a dedication to the success of all who enter the College’s doors, as well as a promise from the College to always support our communities and the people who call them home,” said Scott.
After highlighting some of the ambitious plans for the new campus, such as a new community empowerment center with computer labs, visitors were given a tour inside the building to see some of the rooms slated for demolition or reconstruction. The College acquired the high school from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and has embarked on an ambitious, multi-million-dollar, community-centered project that will transform the high school into a new, high-tech College campus. The new Southeast Campus will be located on a 7.5-acre portion of the approximately 30-acre property and will allow the College to consolidate its existing nearby Upper Darby Center and the Southeast Center in Sharon Hill into the new Southeast Campus.
It is envisioned that the new Southeast Campus will include chemistry and biology labs, culinary arts instruction kitchens, nursing and allied health training facilities, an early childhood education center, a cafeteria, a gym and an annex that will house workforce training programs for Pennsylvania high-priority career fields, such as advanced manufacturing, first responder services and skilled trades, such as electrician training and machining.
Photo Caption: Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black (center in red) with government officials, legislators, business and industry leaders, local school district representatives and Delaware County Community College trustees and administrators on the steps of the former Archbishop Prendergast High School, the site of the College’s soon-to-be new Southeast Campus.
