Wallenpaupack Freshmen Visit Scranton Enterprise Center to Explore Entrepreneurship and Workforce Resources The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Wallenpaupack Area School District’s freshman class of 2028 to the Scranton Enterprise Center for an engaging day focused on business, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The visit introduced students to resources available in Lackawanna County, such as the IGNITE program and the Chamber’s Career Resource Video Library, aimed at supporting students interested in pursuing careers in northeastern Pennsylvania. During the visit, students learned about the resources and support available for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, gaining insights into potential career pathways. “This experience was a great way for students to learn about entrepreneurship and small businesses in our area as a potential career path,” said Maria Day, IGNITE Program Manager. The event highlighted the resources and programs designed to help students explore career and educational opportunities within Lackawanna County. Throughout the day, students were introduced to incubator businesses and other resources offered by the Chamber, providing them with valuable exposure to the world of entrepreneurship and insights into the opportunities it can offer. Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Chamber, emphasized the importance of introducing young students to local workforce resources early on to foster a mindset of goal-setting and career exploration. The Chamber’s commitment to nurturing northeastern Pennsylvania’s future workforce includes initiatives that introduce students to career pathways and encourage proactive planning. Through programs like IGNITE and Skills in Scranton, the Chamber’s workforce development division, aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Johnson College Hosts Annual 3D Printing Competition Johnson College hosted its annual 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 22, 2024, at its Scranton campus. The competition was an opportunity for students from Forest City, Lakeland, Scranton, Wallenpaupack, and Wilkes-Barre Area STEM Academy to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math. Using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) skills, participants designed and printed a device that could launch a projectile across the College’s gymnasium. The student who placed first, James Telep from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Johnson College. Second place was awarded to Caelum Cahoon from Forest City Regional High School and third place to Gavin Zellers from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School. The event, which was sponsored by The New Jersey Chapter of SAMPE and Boyce Products Ltd., featured a keynote address given by Adam Hecht, co-founder and Director of Additive Manufacturing at DiveDesign, a full-service design agency. He gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how DiveDesign is helping to disrupt industries with the use of 3D Printing. To learn more about Johnson College’s STEM opportunities for local school districts, visit johnson.edu.
Johnson College Hosts Annual 3D Printing Competition Johnson College hosted its annual 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday at its Scranton campus. The competition was an opportunity for students from Forest City, Wallenpaupack, and the Wilkes-Barre STEM Academy to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math. Using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) skills, participants designed and printed gravity hooks that picked up objects of various weights and sizes. The student who placed first, Michael Andrews from the Wilkes Barre Area STEM Academy, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Johnson College as well as a $50 gift card from Matterhackers. Second place was awarded to Danielle Holzapfel and third place to Kai Puma Stehlilk, both from Wallenpaupack Area High School. The event, which was sponsored by OpenBuilds, The New Jersey Chapter of SAMPE, GreenGate3D, and Automated Lifestyles, featured a keynote address given by Stephanie and Isaac Budmen, founders of Budmen Industries, the manufacturer of the award-winning Buildini 3D printer. Some of the College’s local industry partners were also in attendance to discuss future employment opportunities with the students. To learn more about Johnson College’s STEM opportunities for local school districts, visit johnson.edu
PennDOT News PennDOT Reminds High School Students of ‘Innovations Challenge’ Deadline The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds high school students of the upcoming deadline for the sixth annual PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model. For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop ideas to help address the shortage of commercial truck parking along major interstate corridors in Pennsylvania. Trucks parking on highway shoulders and ramps is common during overnight hours and presents a significant safety issue. The challenge asks students to select one of Pennsylvania’s interstate corridors where truck parking is a known issue and develop an innovative approach to increase commercial truck parking availability in that area and offset costs incurred for construction. The solution must consider local ordinances and zoning laws for the area selected, commercial entity interaction in land development, community impact, restroom facilities, and space requirements for commercial trucks that are generally 70-80 feet long. Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be selected and invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT Secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winner. For this year’s challenge, the Transportation Policy and Education Foundation, an educational arm of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC), has donated $2,500 and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC/PA) has donated $1,500 for a combined total award of $4,000 to the statewide winning team. For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/innovation and click on Innovations Challenge. The submission deadline is Jan. 27, 2023. MEDIA CONTACT: Alexis Campbell, 717-783-8800 or alecampbel@pa.gov PennDOT and Human Services Urges PA Residents to use Find My Ride The Pennsylvania departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Human Services (DHS) today urged Pennsylvanians to use Find My Ride (FMR) to learn about public transit options and apply for transportation assistance programs. More than 12,500 Pennsylvanians have been approved for services since FMR launched in May 2021. Public transportation services are available in every county in Pennsylvania, including: Shared ride service in all 67 counties;Fixed route bus service in 49 counties; andFixed route rail service in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. “We’re pleased that so many Pennsylvanians have been connected to these important services and we encourage more to apply,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “Transit provides a vital connection to jobs, to medical appointments, and to our communities.” Citizens are encouraged to use FMR Apply, an online tool which was developed collaboratively with transit agencies and streamlines the application process for eight transportation assistance programs in the state, including the Senior Shared Ride program, the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), ADA complementary paratransit, the Persons with Disabilities program; the Free Transit Program; Area Agency on Aging funded trips for people 60-64, fixed route half/reduced fare for persons with disabilities, and discounted shared ride service for veterans. Additionally, FMR Apply allows third-parties, such as a family member or healthcare provider, to apply for services on behalf of a rider. Collectively, 24.4 million trips supported by these programs were provided to Pennsylvanians in the 2020-21 fiscal year. An additional 141 million trips – including 17.7 million free senior trips – were provided through fixed route service in the 2020-21 fiscal year. Since the rollout of FMR Apply in May 2021 via transit agencies, it’s easier for the public to access these programs. Customers do not need to determine what programs they are eligible for, and this, coupled with the user-friendly application, has resulted in increased applications. Automatic data validation within the application has resulted in improved data accuracy, saving transit agencies time and money in processing applications. Transit agencies can process applications more efficiently, which allows transit users to access benefits faster. “Find My Ride is an excellent example of collaboration between state agencies, and we encourage anyone who may need transportation services to use this too. Nobody should let a lack of transportation keep you from getting to a doctor’s appointment or filling your prescription,” said DHS Acting Secretary Meg Snead. DHS’ MATP program provides non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid-eligible consumers who do not have access to transportation. MATP has funded more than 15 million trips since 2019, and each county provides the type of transportation that is the least expensive while still meeting an individual’s needs. Find My Ride’s education and application modules were developed over two years, made possible by $1 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and $1 million in state transit funding. In June 2022, additional FTA funds were awarded through a program that was expanded under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The new FTA funds will allow for the expansion of upgrades of FMR to simplify the public’s access to the tool as well as streamline processes for healthcare providers and MATP administrators. Some examples of enhancements to the system supported by these new grant funds include: Allowing consumers to request fixed route and mileage reimbursement assistance directly via FMR and give them the option of having reimbursements transmitted directly to their bank account;Creating an interface between FMR and DHS’s PROMISe system, which will allow MATP administrators to verify a consumer’s MATP eligibility automatically;Allowing MATP administrators to issue fixed route tickets and passes directly to a consumer’s mobile ticketing app; andGiving health care providers a means to verify a visit occurred using the system. More information on public transit and alternative transportation options like ridesharing, biking, and walking, is available on PennDOT’s website. MEDIA CONTACTS: Alexis Campbell, PennDOT, 717-783-8800 or alecampbel@pa.gov; Brandon Cwalina, DHS, ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov PennDOT District 4 Now Hiring for Paid Internships and Summer Maintenance Positions The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hardworking individuals for paid internships, summer maintenance and student summer workers. If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, check out the various opportunities at PennDOT and apply today! Engineering Internship – PennDOT – Statewide (College) Are you looking for a paid internship? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers statewide paid internship opportunities during the summer to students in a variety of majors, predominantly in engineering, science, and technology fields; however, PennDOT does more than just road construction and snow removal. PennDOT is a customer-driven service organization responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Pennsylvania’s multimodal transportation system. PennDOT interns enjoy opportunities in various areas of PennDOT operations. Internship opportunities associated with this posting will be headquartered throughout PennDOT’s Engineering Districts. Although all assignments may not be offered in every location, additional examples of work and special projects may be available. View PennDOT’s District map to see where your home county lies.You may be able to obtain academic credit through participation in PennDOT’s internship program. Ask your academic advisor if your college offers credit for paid internships.Additionally, some internships may offer the flexibility to telework if determined operationally appropriate by the hiring organization. PennDOT College Student Summer Worker The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hard-working college students for employment during the summer months for the 2023 Summer Employment Program! If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment while performing a public service, check out this opportunity and apply today! PennDOT Summer Employment Program (Non-Student) https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3826246/penndot-summer-employment-program-non-student?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobsThe Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica Ruddy, (570) 963-4044
Applications Open for Student Ambassador Program Do you know a local high school senior who is interested in learning more about the state government and legislature? Applications are now open for Senator Flynn’s 2nd Annual Student Ambassador Program! Applications will be accepted until 5:00PM on Friday, December 9. Last year’s inaugural Student Ambassador Program This comprehensive legislative shadowing program offers local students the opportunity to learn about the Pennsylvania legislature and state government, experience the value of diversity by working with students from other schools and backgrounds, and to represent their personal and community’s interests by proposing legislation to Senator Flynn and their local State Representatives. Senator Flynn’s Student Ambassador Program is open to graduating high school seniors from all of the high schools in the 22nd Senatorial district in addition to students who live in the 22nd Senatorial district but are homeschooled, attend a charter school, or attend a high school outside of the legislative district. If selected, students will be expected to attend meetings once a month from January through early June. Each month, students will learn about an aspect of state government and lawmaking through presentations and discussions with local and state elected officials, legislative staffers, and individuals that influence lawmaking in Pennsylvania. Student Ambassadors will take a field trip to the State Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA in May to tour the building, observe legislative session, and be introduced by Senator Flynn on the Senate Floor. Throughout the entirety of the program, students will work in small groups to create a piece of legislation that they will then present to Senator Flynn during the last program session meeting in June. For more information on the program and to apply, visit www.senatorflynn.com/student-ambassador/
United Way Scholarships The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the availability of the 2022 Mike Munchak Community Services Scholarship to assist high school seniors from Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, PA who plan to continue their education at an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. If selected, the 2022 recipient will receive a one-year award of $6,300 to commemorate Munchak’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers. Funding for the award comes from proceeds of the Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic and will be presented at this year’s 26th annual tournament, slated for this upcoming June at the Country Club of Scranton. A 2001 enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Munchak’s career has earned him accolades as both a player and a coach. Yet, it is his work off the field that led to a scholarship program being established by the United Way to honor hislongstanding commitment to his hometown of Scranton and the people of the area. “For the past 25 years, we’ve been honored to work with Mike and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be actively involved in community service activities within programs/agencies receiving funds from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, and be accepted by an accredited university, college or trade school, in a two or four-year degree program track, for the 2022/2023 school year. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. Last year’s scholarship recipient was Molly Dougherty, a West Scranton High School graduate who served as President of the West Scranton High School Red Cross Club where she directed the club activities and various drives throughout her years of involvement. Additionally, Dougherty was an active member with numerous organizations in her community including St. Joseph’s Center, Friends of the Poor, Mathew’s Mission, Knights of Columbus, Cinderella’s Closet, and many others. She was a member of the National Honor Society, student liaison of the senior class, Miss Invader, Varsity Cross Country Captain, President of the Drama, Spanish and Chorus Clubs, Editor of the West Side Story, graduate of the Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she was engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Molly’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at West Scranton To be considered, completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2022. A complete listing of eligibility requirements and the application are available for download at www.uwlc.net or by calling Frank Kincel at the United Way 570.343-1267 x233.
Leadership U Applications Open Leadership Lackawanna, the Chamber’s premier community leadership and professional development affiliate, has opened applications for its Leadership U program – in partnership with Penn State Scranton. Leadership U is a three-credit college summer course for high school students called Effective Speech. Participants will gain leadership and community engagement skills in the areas of communication and public speaking. The course aims to provide participants with the confidence and expertise to engage in public speaking, use S.T.E.A.M. to empower students to take thoughtful risks, and use historical awareness and appreciation to provide an understanding of our region’s past, present, and future while developing financial literacy skills and college/career preparation. Leadership U applications are open to high school juniors and seniors, charter school, and homeschooled students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The cost of the program is $400. Limited scholarships are available. Deadline to apply is May 4. Leadership U is scheduled to be held in person at Penn State Scranton, every Wednesday from June 29 to August 10 from 1:00-3:15 p.m. Upon successful completion of Leadership U, participants receive three college credits to Penn State for a general education, 100 level class which are transferable to most institutions. Apply through May 4 at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com. APPLY
Penn State Scranton Offering Environmental Science Course for School Students The DeNaples Family Environmental Program Fund at Penn State Scranton has been established thanks to a multi-year gift that will provide hands-on, experiential learning for participating students over the next four decades. Pictured are representatives from the DeNaples Family, Keystone Sanitary Landfill and Penn State Scranton; from left are: Dominick DeNaples, Dan O’Brien, Interim Director of Enrollment Services Terri Nealon Caputo, Director of Development Christine Ostroski, CBDCO Director John Drake, CBDCO Education Program Specialist Jo Ann Durdan, Chancellor Marwan Wafa, and Al Magnotta. Thanks to a generous gift from the Keystone Sanitary Landfill and the DeNaples family, Penn State Scranton’s Center for Business Development and Community Outreach (CBDCO) will be coordinating a course for high school juniors and seniors that is part of a program focusing on environmental studies at the campus, as well as offering a youth summer camp program for younger children. The DeNaples Family Environmental Program Fund at Penn State Scranton has been established thanks to a multi-year gift that will provide $100,000 per year for the next 40 years, enabling educators at the campus to provide hands-on, experiential learning that encourages creative and critical thinking among participating students, while strengthening their bond with local and global environments. “The course will explore the root causes of today’s environmental crises and consider scientific, technological, sociological, psychological, and personal responses to what is considered a very significant dilemma facing today’s world,” said CBDCO Director John Drake. “It will also engage students in recognizing how questions can be powerful catalysts for learning, how to see multiple perspectives in a situation, and what personal reflection can mean for both personal and global transformation.” Beginning with the Spring 2022 semester, CBDCO will offer this inaugural environmental science credit course to high school juniors and seniors in regional school districts. In addition to in-person sessions beginning in January, it will have an online component and potential field trips. The course will be taught by instructors from Penn State Scranton’s science degree program. High school juniors and seniors who take the course will earn three college credits that can later be applied as either an elective or general education course, depending on the degree program and college they choose in the future. As the program expands, more school districts will be added. Full scholarships are being provided through the program fund, which was established by the DeNaples family and Keystone Sanitary Landfill. “This gift comes at a critical time in our planet’s history, with so many environmental changes taking place around the world that will require research, analysis, study and creative problem solving to address,” said Penn State Scranton Chancellor Marwan Wafa. “Penn State Scranton is proud to be able to have the ability to offer a program like this that will encourage our young people to get involved in these issues and be part of making positive contributions and improvements to our regional, national and global environment. We are very grateful to the DeNaples family for making this kind of an educational commitment to our campus, and our region’s young people and future.” To learn more about the environmental programming and what it entails, contact CBDCO at scrantonoutreach@psu.edu, or by calling: 570-963-2600. This gift will advance “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” a focused campaign that seeks to elevate Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world defined by rapid change and global connections. With the support of alumni and friends, “A Greater Penn State” seeks to fulfill the three key imperatives of a 21st-century public university: keeping the doors to higher education open to hardworking students regardless of financial well-being; creating transformative experiences that go beyond the classroom; and impacting the world by serving communities and fueling discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. To learn more about “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” visit greaterpennstate.psu.edu.
United Way Announces 2022 Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship is Now Open The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the availability of the 2022 Mike Munchak Community Services Scholarship to assist high school seniors from Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, PA who plan to continue their education at an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. If selected, the 2022 recipient will receive a one-year award of $6,300 to commemorate Munchak’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers. Funding for the award comes from proceeds of the Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic and will be presented at this year’s 26th annual tournament, slated for this upcoming June at the Country Club of Scranton. A 2001 enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mr. Munchak’s career has earned him accolades as both a player and a coach, currently serving as the offensive line coach for the Denver Broncos. Yet, it is his work off the field that led to a scholarship program being established by the United Way to honor his long-standing commitment to his hometown of Scranton and the people of the area. “For the past 25 years, we’ve been honored to work with Mike and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be actively involved in community service activities within programs/agencies receiving funds from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, and be accepted by an accredited university, college or trade school, in a two or four-year degree program track, for the 2022/2023 school year. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. Last year’s scholarship recipient was Molly Dougherty, a West Scranton High School graduate who served as President of the West Scranton High School Red Cross Club where she directed the club activities and various drives throughout her years of involvement. Additionally, Ms. Dougherty was an active member with numerous organizations in her community including St. Joseph’s Center, Friends of the Poor, Mathew’s Mission, Knights of Columbus, Cinderella’s Closet, and many others. She was a member of the National Honor Society, student liaison of the senior class, Miss Invader, Varsity Cross Country Captain, President of the Drama, Spanish and Chorus Clubs, Editor of the West Side Story, graduate of the Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she was engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Molly’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at West Scranton To be considered, completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2022. A complete listing of eligibility requirements and the application are available for download at www.uwlc.net or by calling Frank Kincel at the United Way 570.343-1267 x233.
Registration Now Open for Johnson College’s 3D Printing Competition for High School Students Johnson College will host its second 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 11, 2022 (Snow date March 18, 2022). The competition is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) techniques. All students and groups must be registered by a school staff member who will also serve as an advisor while their students are on the Johnson College campus the day of the event. For more information and to register, please visit, johnson.edu/3DCompetition. Upon registration, a document will be emailed detailing additional information. Registration ends February 11, 2022. Prizes are to be announced. This year’s competition requires high school students to compete individually to design and make an assembly to span 500mm (19.685”). The assemblies can only be made using 3D printed parts and must weigh no more than 2000 grams. Each assembly will be tested to the point of breaking. The student with the assembly that bears the most weight at the time of breaking will be declared the winner. Each competitor(s) must submit a complete technical drawing of all parts and assembly.
