Before you can teach students, you must first reach them. Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) has the curriculum, the forward thinking and the professors to challenge active minds.

"People often know PCA&D as an art school, but what they may not realize is how deeply connected we are to workforce development, community partnerships and the regional economy," said PCA&D president Andy Barnes. "Our graduates work across industries because creative thinking is valuable everywhere. Employers increasingly need people who can communicate visually, solve problems collaboratively and think innovatively. We're also proud to be an active partner in downtown Lancaster. PCA&D contributes to the city's cultural energy, supports local organizations and creates opportunities for community engagement through exhibitions, events and educational programming."

PCA&D, which is located at 204 N. Prince St., Lancaster, offers eight undergraduate degree programs, as well as continuing education opportunities and certificates in a wide array of design, art and creative disciplines. This fall, the college will be offering a new course in creative writing.

"Education helps people develop not just knowledge, but perspective," said Barnes. "It teaches us how to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others and adapt to change. Creative education is especially important right now because society increasingly needs people who can innovate, connect ideas and bring humanity into complex challenges. In an AI-driving world, uniquely human skills - imagination, ethics, empathy and vision - become even more essential. Education also builds community."

In May, PCA&D graduated 93 students. There are currently more than 400 students enrolled in PCA&D programs for the fall of 2026, about 70 percent of whom hail from Pennsylvania.

"It leaves an imprint on you for sure," said Oakly Buscarino, a 2026 graduate of PCA&D. "It's a wacky collective of students from a variety of backgrounds and identities - you're bound to have common interests with someone else. Socially, it's very fun and supportive - classes have a different vibe. The atmosphere can be professional but also collaborative, and it's easy to develop a synergy between the classmates and the professors. Overall, it's very welcoming and supportive."

"(The students are) creative, thoughtful and incredibly motivated," said Barnes. "Many are looking for a place where they can authentically and unapologetically be themselves and explore how creativity connects to their future. Today's students are also deeply aware of the world around them. They care about community, identity, technology, social issues and making meaningful contributions. They want careers, but they also want purpose and impact. What's exciting is seeing how they apply creativity beyond traditional expectations, whether it's in design, entrepreneurship, health care, entertainment, technology, education or nonprofit work."

The staff at PCA&D is made up of 19 full-time faculty members, 76 part-time or adjunct faculty and 36 staff members.

"Our faculty combine technical instruction with mentorship, collaboration and hands-on learning," said Barnes. "Students learn through studio practice, critiques, real-world projects and interdisciplinary experiences. Our faculty are working artists too, so they integrate their real-world experiences into coursework and class discussions. We also emphasize adaptability. Creative careers continue to evolve rapidly, so students need to know how to learn, pivot and apply their skills in different environments. Faculty work closely with students to help them develop both creative confidence and professional readiness."

PCA&D was established in 1982. Over the past 44 years, the institution has added more academic offerings, developed community partnerships and participated in and promoted public events.

For additional information, go to http://www.pcad.edu.