Local Partnership Program Graduates Cohort, Accepting Applications

NEPA RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment just graduated its second cohort. 13 graduates walked across the stage at Johnson College’s Commencement on Saturday, March 13th. Graduates of NEPA RISE complete the technical and academic courses in their field of study, as well as professional development instruction to executive function skills. The RISE program provides participants with traditional case management and fiscal support, executive skills coaching and goaling, as well as academic tutoring and professional mentoring. All graduates are residents of Lackawanna or Luzerne County and all plan to either start their careers in their field of study, or use this foundation as a stepping stone to higher education.

NEPA RISE is currently accepting applications for their third cohort, set to begin in July of 2023. Interested applicants must be 18 years of age or older, reside within either Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties and currently have a Household Income within 250% of the Federal Poverty Line. Eligibility will be confirmed after an applicant applies online at RISENEPA.org. Interviews will be scheduled now through June 2023, and the program will begin in July 2023.

NEPA RISE is a unique workforce development program partnership formed through The William G.
McGowan Charitable Fund, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, Johnson College, and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. NEPA RISE is an innovative model that integrates sector-based occupational skills training with executive skills coaching and support services. By integrating demand-driven training with coaching and services designed to support the development of executive function skills, resilience, and grit, we expect to lift participants out of poverty and into living-wage jobs with benefits.