President John F. Kennedy once said, "Education...is the mainspring of our economic and social progress...It is the highest expression of achievement in our society, ennobling and enriching human life." His words illustrate the impact higher education has on the community – higher education classrooms produce intellectual capital which is transformed into economic vitality through an educated workforce and competitive companies.
Mercyhurst West's potential impact on the community reaches beyond the classroom. As you will see, Mercyhurst College offers a tremendous regional impact including:
- employment for college employees, who pay millions of dollars in federal, state and local taxes and subsequently spend their income at local businesses;
- continuing education for non-degree students;
- numerous programs to help local organizations and groups;
- many community cultural events, such as concerts, plays and lectures.
The impact a college can have on the community around it can be enormous. A 2005 study showed that the annual impact of Mercyhurst College on the region topped $96 million.
