Advocates of the proposed Susquehanna Valley Community Education Project say the majority of parents and students surveyed expressed an interest in the idea of a local community college. The results are clouded by a lack of participation. Out of 16 school districts approached, only Shikellamy and Milton cooperated. Promoters say school districts were given adequate time to consider whether to participate in the survey.

It is unclear, then, why 88 percent of local school districts failed to respond. Answering that question may be significant as promoters try to convert interest into action. The lack of cooperation did not sit well with Montour County Commissioners Jack Gerst and Jerry Ward.

"To have my home school district be one of the districts not participating in something directed to help our kids is embarrassing," Gerst said.

The commissioners' concern is noteworthy considering state estimates suggest Danville may be one of the local school districts that might benefit the least from a community college. With the exception of Danville and Lewisburg, in local high schools, about one-third of graduating seniors have no plans for further education.

There are rewarding and family sustaining career opportunities available for those with only a high school diploma. Recent trends also suggest that such jobs may be the most susceptible during economic downturns. Our educational system is doing a disservice to our young people and our region if it fails to provide access to affordable post-secondary education. A community college would bridge the gap.

It is not a promising sign that organizers cannot even get school districts to participate in an initial needs survey. Typically community colleges use government subsidies to keep tuition costs affordable. The effort has a rough road ahead unless school districts or local and county governments provide meaningful support.

Elected officials ought to pledge to help the community college effort -- the Central Susquehanna Valley will suffer if the post-secondary needs of so many young people continue to be unaddressed.