Lackawanna College Hazleton Center Awarded Grant from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry HAZLETON, PA – Lackawanna College received $377,097.61 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as part of the PAsmart Building, Supporting and Expanding Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in the Building and Construction Trades Grant. The funding will be used to establish the Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center. “We are thrilled to receive this grant for the new Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program here at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center,” Director of the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center April Harris-Snyder said. “This program will not only help the Hazleton Center expand its educational catalog but give back to the community with dedicated graduates.” The Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 16-week semester of college level coursework having students complete six credit-bearing courses, obtaining 11 certifications and earning 16.5 college credits. The goal of the program is to prepare students for a variety of entry-level jobs in the construction industry such as carpenters, construction laborers, electricians, HVAC workers and plumbers. Included in the program is an eight-week ESL course for students who may require a basic English education. The program will seek to serve individuals in the Hazleton area and provide training options for those unable to attend a career technology center. April Harris-Snyder, director of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, has experience establishing workforce training programs with ESL students in the Hazleton community. The program she helped organize has partnerships with Associated Builders and Contractions, Inc. (ABC) Eastern PA Chapter and Hayden Power Group. Graduates of the program will become a member of ABC and will take part in a career fair hosted by ABC. The program is set to launch in July 2023. The Lackawanna College Hazleton Center will host a grand opening of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Certification on Wednesday April 12, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Media are requested to RSVP prior to the event. On April 15 Lackawanna College Hazleton will host an Open House for high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College. Students can learn about the programs at Lackawanna college and take a personalized tour of the Hazleton Center. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending.
Lackawanna College Robotics Program Partners with Leading Worldwide Robot Manufacturer SCRANTON – Lackawanna College will partner with ABB Robotics for its Center for Technology Innovation’s (CTI) Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program. The partnership will allow the CTI’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program students to receive hands-on experience with ABB equipment and train ABB robot owners and operators in the classroom. Lackawanna College is one of seven facilities nationwide to train students on ABB robots and the only facility in the northeast to be an ABB robot owner and operator training facility. “We are going to provide students with an understanding of the real workings of a robot, including programming, electrical and technology skills, then utilizing those skills in many different types of industrial/manufacturing and distribution facilities and environments,” Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program Director, Rob Crane said. “This partnership presents a career pathway to our students to pursue technical jobs in the field of robotics, such as programmers, technicians and integrators.” The partnership will allow Lackawanna College to deliver two training models, one for students pursuing an associate of science degree and the other for existing ABB robot owners and operators. The Robotics & Integrated Technology students will learn the same training materials and concepts as professional ABB robot owners and operators. Students will also receive a certificate from ABB upon completing the program. ABB robot owners and operators will register online for professional education via ABB’s website to receive training from Lackawanna College certified instructors on campus. ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers being the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and machine automation solutions. Lackawanna College’s partnership with ABB Robotics will align with the CTI’s vision to ensure the college’s role as an economic, social and community development leader that supports the future industrial ecosystem. “This partnership is a huge opportunity and differentiator over any other higher ed institution in the northeast in terms of robotics,” CTI Executive Director and Cybersecurity Program Director Marc Gonzalez said. “ABB Robotics will provide longevity to our program keeping it innovative and relevant.” About Lackawanna College Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is a private, accredited college serving the people of northeastern Pennsylvania. With the main campus situated in downtown Scranton, Lackawanna’s expanding footprint also includes satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, Tunkhannock and the Environmental Education Center in Covington Township. Learn more at www.lackawanna.edu. Local. Affordable. Career-Focused.
Lackawanna College will Host Spring Bazaar Open House On Saturday April 15, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m Lackawanna College will host a Spring Bazaar open house for local high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College. Students can take an immersive tour of our campuses, meet with faculty from Lackawanna’s 60 plus academic programs, receive personalized financial aid assistance and take part in a block party celebration on Vine street outside Angeli Hall at Lackawanna College’s Scranton Campus. Local high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College and faculty from Lackawanna College providing information from our various programs. Lackawanna College Scranton – 501 Vine Street Scranton, PA 18509 Lackawanna College Hazleton – 2 East Broad Street Hazleton, PA 18201 Lackawanna Towanda – 1024 South Main Street Towanda, PA 18848 Lackawanna College Tunkhannock – 420 Tioga West Plaza Tunkhannock, PA 18657 Lackawanna College Sunbury – 1145 N. 4th Street Sunbury, PA 17801 Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center – 93 MacKenzie Rd. Covington Twp., PA 18444
Lackawanna College Offers Early Explorers Program The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center invites children ages three to six years old and their guardians to attend Early Explorers, a program aimed at providing children with a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. Classes will be held every Thursday from April 20 to May 25, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) located 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township, PA 18444. Early Explorers is a program series that offers discovery-based learning that changes with each season. Using the natural world as a catalyst for growth and development, children will explore natural sciences, gain sensory awareness, creatively express themselves, and practice using large and fine motor skills while developing critical social skills. During each class, children will have the opportunity to hike and explore the various habitats on the 211-acre property, which includes a forest, meadow, open field, and a stream. Children will also gain first-hand experiences with plants and animals. Each week will feature a different nature-related topic including Super Seeds, Awakening Amphibians, For the Birds, Animal Mothers, Spring Winds and Little Sprouts. Enrollment is now open. The cost is $40 for the series of six classes. Registration is limited, and pre-registration is required. This is an outdoor program, so please dress for the weather. For more information or to register, contact Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center at (570) 842-1506 or email yaniks@lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna College Hosts Exploration Day Lackawanna College will host a STEM Career Exploration Day, a fair for local high school students interested in STEM to see all the upcoming programs the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) has to offer. The event will take place on Thursday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at Lackawanna College Student Union Gymnasium 500 Jefferson Ave, Scranton, PA 18510. Invited are High school students in grades 10-12 interested in making college/career preparations and taking science, technology, engineering and math. Those attending will view firsthand the new equipment and presentations for each of the CTI’s areas of study including cybersecurity, robotics & integrated technologies and electric vehicles & advanced automotive technologies. Coordinated by Lackawanna College’s Business Division, Career Services and Pre-College Departments, this event will increase student financial literacy and career awareness through a hands-on, immersive experience. Students will balance a monthly budget, compare careers and salaries and “try out” some of our programs from the perspective of a Lackawanna College student.Lackawanna College’s vision for the CTI is to expand the College’s role as an economic, social and community development leader that supports the future industrial ecosystem. The CTI will offer undergraduate degree programs, corporate training, as well as short term, stackable certificates, to prepare individuals for the jobs of tomorrow and is now accepting enrollment.
Lackawanna College’s President Recognized Lackawanna College’s President and Chief Innovation Officer, Jill Murray, Ph.D., ranked 37 in City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 Higher Education Power 100. Dr. Murray became Lackawanna College’s first female president, previously serving as its executive vice president from 2012 to 2020. Under her leadership, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company Magazine for its Level Up program, which compresses the bachelor’s degree timeline. Dr. Murray’s professional training initiatives include the Center for Technology Innovation, offering STEM degree programs such as Robotics & Integrated Technologies, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicle & Advanced Automotive Technologies and corporate training coming fall 2023. She also collaborated with Dallas Shaw to bring Blitzen to the Scranton area, a holiday pop-up bar in the on-campus student-run restaurant that provided culinary students with real-world experience. “We are so proud to have Jill be recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s educational leaders,” Chairperson of the Lackawanna College Board of Trustees, Joyce Van Schooneveld said. “Jill has helped grow Lackawanna College into a great place to receive an education and having her be recognized for her hard work is inspiring.” The City & State’s Higher Education Power 100 recognizes Pennsylvania’s most influential academic leaders focusing on making a difference on and off campus. Through their experience and innovative programs, the leaders recognized in this list demonstrate why Pennsylvania continues to be a national focal point in higher education. Dr. Murray ranked with other local leaders in our area including Reverend Joseph Marina of the University of Scranton, Reverend Thomas Looney of Kings College, Dr. Jonathan Green of Susquehanna University and Sister Mary Persico of Marywood University.
Lackawanna College’s Robotics Program Announces Amatrol Partnership Lackawanna College’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program partners with Amatrol and Allegheny Education Systems. The partnership allows the Center for Technology Innovation’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program students to receive hands-on experience with Amatrol equipment such as robotics, automation systems, industrial electronics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and many more. “This partnership will assist our students by bridging the gap between the electrical side of robotics and programming,” Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program Director Rob Crane said. “Included in this partnership is troubleshooting, critical thinking skills and PLC work, which we will be performing with Amatrol equipment and educational material as well.” The Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program will use the Amatrol robotics/automation curriculum to educate students on the full scope of building and maintaining automation. “Students will be given material at a level where they can understand it and if they are having trouble learning the concepts, they have the option to go back and review past lessons or another section entirely,” Crane said. The Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program is built with a hands-on approach with students spending 60 percent in the lab. Students will train on the equipment from Amatrol similar to on the job training. The program will align with the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute (ARM), a national expert in robotics and workforce development. “The class material and equipment we will have in the lab is going to have a factory feel with hands-on learning versus only learning in the classroom,” Crane said. “We get more than the scope of learning robotics, we get extra access to everything Amatrol does and this partnership will eventually blend into other programs, such as Electric Vehicle & Advanced Automotive Technologies and the School of Petroleum & Natural Gas.” Amatrol is a global leader in technical education, offering different levels of study in the manufacturing processes starting with the basics and building into more complex technology applications. Within the program are different levels of credentials for students to earn and take into the workforce. These credentials include Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certificates for PLCs, basic electrical theory and advanced manufacturing/motor control. Within these certificates are also micro credentials students will receive, keeping them innovative for the future. “We have gone out and done our due diligence to find one of the best educational training equipment and material providers,” Crane said. “We can get a novice student to a very high-level education in a short amount of time.” On March 30, Lackawanna College will host a STEM fair for local high school students to increase student financial literacy and career awareness through a hands-on, immersive experience. The event is coordinated by Lackawanna College’s Business Division, Career Services and Pre-College Departments. Students will balance a monthly budget, compare careers and salaries, and “try out” some of our programs to experience each from the point of view of our students, including CTI programs. The event will run from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending event, please contact Eric Eiden, Media Relations Coordinator at (570)961-7807 or eidene@lackawanna.edu to register.
Lackawanna College Receives Grant Funding Lackawanna College received a grant award of $20,000 as part of the Pennsylvania’s Office of the First Lady and the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s 2022-23 PA Hunger-Free Campus grant program. Joining 27 other postsecondary institutions across the state, Lackawanna College will work to reduce student hunger insecurities on campus, provide awareness programs, create student advocacy opportunities and supply access to healthy food options so students can continue to learn and grow in the community. “At Lackawanna College we are grateful to receive the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant for this year,” Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray said. “The funds from this grant will be used to address any student food insecurities through education and school resources to make Lackawanna College a hunger free campus.” The grant will provide information for students on how to get the help they need to not go hungry and issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP helps lower income Pennsylvanians purchase food through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card and students can sign up for the program if eligible. “One-third of post-secondary students are at risk of hunger and are potentially forced to withdraw from school,” Associate Vice President of Student Engagement Dr. Dan LaMagna said. “We have the resources to help students at the Student Life Office and this grant will help us communicate with students, getting the assistance they need to not go hungry.” First Lady Frances Wolf launched the PA Hunger-Free Campus campaign in August, 2022, inviting postsecondary institutions to support efforts on addressing student hunger needs on campus. The Governor’s PA Hunger-Free Campus grant program’s goal is to support postsecondary institutions’ efforts to demonstrate their commitment to addressing these needs and diminishing barriers for learners. “There are many great initiatives at Lackawanna College but this one is special in that it is a tool to help students focus on their education, not their next meal,” Dr. LaMagna said. “The grant program will be open to everyone, if there is a need at Lackawanna College, we will fill it and continue to build a culture of care on campus.” Lackawanna College will utilize the funding from the PA Hunger-Free Campus now through December 31, 2023.
Lackawanna College Receives Award Awarded From the City of Scranton Lackawanna College was recently rewarded $15,000 from the city of Scranton as part of the American Rescue Plan Act funding. The funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will be used to support the Lackawanna College Counseling Program facilitated by Lackawanna’s Student Wellness Office, helping cover the cost of mental health counseling sessions for current students. The project director for the counseling program, Student Wellness Program Director Tierny Ulmer Cresswell, is excited about the program and the care it can provide, especially with the increased need for mental health services post COVID-19 pandemic. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expand mental health services here on our campus for our students. Mental health services are imperative to getting our students to graduation,” Cresswell said. “Similar with what other institutions are seeing post COVID-19, the intensity of student challenges are becoming greater – adding this level of care is necessary for students success .” The counseling program started the 2022 fall semester and is free for any current student to take advantage of both in person, with an on-campus therapist located in Angeli Hall, and online through telehealth. Students in the Sunbury, Lake Region, Hazleton, Tunkhannock and Towanda Centers can use this service virtually as well. “Student response has been wonderful, we surpassed the expected number of students within the first two months – that showed us quickly how much it was needed,” Cresswell said. “We are grateful to be able to provide quality mental health services to students at all Lackawanna College campuses for free. These funds will assist us to remove barriers students often face when trying to access mental health services.” Lackawanna College will use the funding from the American Rescue Plan Act on July 1, 2023.
