NeighborWorks NEPA, Beautiful Blocks Program Open for Applications in Pittston, Carbondale, Scranton Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cycle of Beautiful Blocks, a home improvement program jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Scranton, City of Pittston, and City of Carbondale. Beautiful Blocks provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more residents in participating communities to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. The Beautiful Blocks program seeks to make neighborhoods throughout Scranton, Pittston, and Carbondale more attractive places to live. Eligible exterior improvements include everything from landscaping and painting to larger projects like sidewalks, front porch repair, door and window replacement, and more! For the 2026 program cycle, residents in all three participating cities are eligible for an enhanced grant award for sidewalk projects that provides up to $2,000 per property in total funding towards replacement or significant repair of front sidewalks. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be judged on the number of participating residents, project impact and coordination, and the likelihood of neighbors continuing to work together in the future. Pre-applications are being accepted until Monday, March 30. Awards will be announced in May, with work taking place throughout the summer and fall months. “We’re very excited to launch the eighth year of Beautiful Blocks in 2026,” said NeighborWorks’ President & CEO, Shane Powers. “Once again, we are pleased to offer this program to residents residing in the Cities of Carbondale, Pittston, and Scranton. Based on the tremendous success of the sidewalk repairs initiative, we are excited to offer the increased grant amount for sidewalks again this year to all three communities. Improvements to sidewalks and to the exterior of homes across the community support vibrant and safe neighborhoods.” The 2025 Beautiful Blocks cycle saw a total of $143,116.68 awarded to 130 completed projects in Scranton, a total of $69,522.27 awarded to 60 completed projects in Carbondale, and a total of $45,419.07 awarded to 46 completed projects in Pittston. Over the first seven cycles of Beautiful Blocks in the City of Scranton, the first five Beautiful Blocks cycles in the City of Carbondale, and the first two cycles of the program in the City of Pittston, more than 950 individual projects have been completed by participating residents, grouped into more than 130 block groups. More than $1 million in grant funding has been distributed as part of these projects, with participating residents contributing more than $2 million in matching funds to improving their neighborhoods. For residents in participating cities who are interested in applying for the 2026 program cycle, public information sessions will be held in each community this month: Carbondale: Monday, February 23, 6:00 p.m., Carbondale Public Library (Community Room) Pittston: Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m., Pittston Memorial Library (John P. Cosgrove Center) Scranton: Thursday, February 26, 6:00 p.m., Scranton Public Library (Henkelman Room) “The city was thrilled to partner with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania in 2025 to complete 46 Beautiful Blocks projects,” Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo said of his city’s second Beautiful Blocks cycle. “The results speak for themselves and this partnership is another opportunity for the city to advance the revitalization process in our neighborhoods. We look forward to a continued productive partnership with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania for the 2026 cycle.” “The Beautiful Block Program exemplifies what we can accomplish in Carbondale when residents, the City, and our valued partner NeighborWorks NEPA come together with a shared vision for thriving neighborhoods,” Carbondale Mayor Michele Bannon added. “In 2025, we were proud to support 60 projects across 9 project groups, leveraging $69,522.27 in grant funds to help homeowners make meaningful improvements that strengthen community pride and enhance property conditions. This partnership has not only beautified our streets but also reinforced the spirit of collaboration that defines our City. As we look forward to the 2026 program year, we’re excited to build on that success, expanding opportunities, empowering more neighbors, and continuing to transform blocks into vibrant places where people are proud to live, work, and grow together.” “NeighborWorks’ Beautiful Blocks program continues to bring positive improvements to our neighborhoods each year,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “Last year’s projects provided over $140,000 in grant funds to 130 projects that help maintain Scranton’s beauty and build a stronger sense of community among our residents.” Scranton, Pittston and Carbondale residents interested in participating in the Beautiful Blocks program can download pre-application instructions and access the pre-application document by visiting the program homepage at https://www.nwnepa.org/programs/neighborhood- revitalization/beautiful-blocks.html. More information is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 or ghetman@nwnepa.org.
Johnson College Awarded Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant to Support RISE Students Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology. RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success. Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs. Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility. Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org. This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.
Century Dental Associates Partners with Central Penn College to Expand EFDA Program Central Penn College has partnered with Century Dental Associates in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to offer an additional instructional site for its Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certificate Program. The EFDA program is a six-month, blended program designed for working dental professionals. Coursework is completed fully online, with once-a-week, in-person Saturday labs focused on hands-on clinical skills. With the addition of the Scranton instructional site, students in Northeastern Pennsylvania can now complete required lab work closer to home, eliminating the need to travel to Central Pennsylvania. This expansion reflects Central Penn College’s continued commitment to increasing access, flexibility, and convenience for students pursuing advanced credentials in high-demand healthcare fields. Century Dental Associates brings decades of clinical experience and a strong reputation for patient-centered care to this partnership, providing an ideal real-world learning environment for EFDA students. Known for its commitment to advanced dental techniques, modern technology, and professional excellence, Century Dental Associates offers a hands-on setting that reinforces practical skill development and industry standards. This collaboration ensures students gain meaningful clinical experience while benefiting from a trusted dental practice deeply rooted in the Northeastern Pennsylvania community. For more information about the Expanded Function Dental Assistant program, visit centralpenn.edu/EFDA.
A Five-Year Vision for Growth: The Scranton Plan 3.0 Launches with $2M Regional Investment The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, together with its divisions The Scranton Plan, Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), and Skills in Scranton, is formally announcing the public launch of The Scranton Plan 3.0 Strategy. This milestone begins the public phase of a $2 million investment campaign dedicated to support strategic workforce and economic development programming across the region. Funds invested into The Scranton Plan 3.0 will support a comprehensive, five-year initiative focused on three core priorities: attracting, retaining, and aligning talent; driving business development through strategic marketing; and directing strategic development and community planning. Together, these efforts are designed to strengthen the region’s competitive position and guide coordinated investment and decision-making. “The Scranton Plan 3.0 is a call to action for our business, civic, and community partners to lead with purpose,” said Pete Danchak, PNC regional president for Northeast PA, PNC Bank, and co-chair of The Scranton Plan. “By aligning workforce development, business investment, and community priorities, this plan creates a clear, measurable roadmap for growth—one that positions northeastern Pennsylvania to compete, adapt, and thrive over the next five years.” The Scranton Plan 3.0 builds on decades of collaborative leadership and positions the region to respond proactively to evolving workforce, business, and community needs through focused, data-driven strategy. Grace McGregor Kramer, vice president of strategy and operations, McGregor Industries, Inc., and co-chair of Scranton Plan, shares, “This is an exciting and historic opportunity to bring our community together around a shared vision for the future.” McGregor Kramer adds, “The Scranton Plan 3.0 will help guide smart growth, strengthen our workforce, and ensure Scranton remains a great place to live, work, and build what’s next!” “Developed through extensive collaboration with public and private stakeholders, The Scranton Plan 3.0 is designed to be nimble, measurable, and responsive to real-time employer needs,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The plan builds on the success of prior Scranton Plan and Skills in Scranton initiatives in areas such as workforce and infrastructure readiness, while addressing emerging issues such as childcare, housing, and transportation availability.” For more information on the Scranton Plan 3.0 2026-2030 Strategy or how to become an investor, visit www.scrantonchamber.com or contact Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development at 570-342-7711 Ext. 134. The Scranton Plan was established in 1945 by local business leaders as a strategic initiative to grow Scranton’s economic base, create jobs, and coordinate community investment—efforts that led to the formation of SLIBCO and Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE). Retooled as The Scranton Plan 2.0 in the mid-1980s as the economic development marketing division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, it has become an award-winning driver of regional growth. Today, The Scranton Plan continues to tackle key challenges and drive sustainable economic growth through focused, strategic initiatives.
REACHUM Launches as World’s First Post-SCORM AI Learning Platform REACHUM is proud to announce the official launch of REACHUM, an AI-powered learning platform for enterprises. Developed right here in Scranton, REACHUM represents a significant milestone in corporate training technology. REACHUM is positioned as The World’s First Post-SCORM Learning Platform. This innovative technology addresses long-standing challenges in corporate training by replacing fragmented software stacks (LMS, LXP, Authoring Tools) with one unified system. This launch allows enterprises to update training content in seconds, not weeks, which translates to a projected 50% reduction in content production time and a substantial reduction in software costs. Furthermore, REACHUM moves beyond simple “completion rates” by leveraging AI to provide superior insights. It analyzes user interaction and hesitation to generate a Workforce Readiness Heatmap, giving business leaders clearer data on competence and learning effectiveness that directly ties back to business outcomes. We are excited to contribute this innovation to the technology sector from the Scranton Enterprise Center.
University of Scranton Ranked by U.S. News “Best Online” U.S. News Ranks University of Scranton Among ‘Best Online’Strong student excellence and engagement scores helped Scranton stand out among hundreds of online business and MBA programs. The University of Scranton, fueled by elite finishes in two of its signature MBA specializations, remains one of the best colleges and universities for an online graduate education, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 “Best Online Graduate Programs” rankings. Scranton earned a rare dual achievement with two top-20 finishes in the MBA Finance (tied, 14th) and MBA Business Analytics (tied, 16th) categories. Additionally, the University tied for 76th in Best Online Master’s in Business Programs and tied for 152nd in Best Online MBA Programs. Hundreds of qualifying schools were eligible for the U.S. News rankings, which were released Tuesday, Jan. 27. U.S. News considers criteria including student engagement, student excellence, faculty credentials and training and student services and technology. Scranton performed particularly well in the student engagement and student excellence categories. Student engagement examines factors like graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, while student excellence weighs acceptance rates, work experience and students’ undergraduate GPAs, among other things. In the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs category, Scranton ranked No. 7 in student excellence and No. 47 in student engagement. According to the most recent Roche Family Center for Career Development’s First Destination Survey, graduate degree recipients in The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 reported a 100% success rate. Survey participants reported a mean annual salary of $82,932 — a 15.4% increase from just three years earlier — with 95% of them employed full-time. Scranton offers online graduate degrees in accounting and finance, business, business analytics, health administration, health informatics, health sciences, human resources, operations and management, social sciences and STEM, as well as graduate certificates in various fields. The University of Scranton also achieved high marks in the U.S. News 2026 “Best Colleges” report, released in the fall, which ranked Scranton as a top 10 college in its region with six undergraduate programs ranked nationally. The most recent U.S. News “Best Graduate Schools” report also placed five University of Scranton programs in the top 50 in the nation and several more in the top 150.
Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau Named Pennsylvana’s 2025 Tourism & Event Planning Organization of the Year Big news we’re proud to share! 🌟 The Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau has been named Pennsylvania’s 2025 Tourism & Event Planning Organization of the Year by International Explorer!We’re also honored to be featured in their magazine spread titled “From Local Charm to Global Reach: The Strategy Behind Lackawanna County’s Tourism Success.” The article highlights how our community, partners, and shared commitment to showcasing what makes Lackawanna County special come together to elevate our destination on a global stage. 🌍✨Read the full spread (pages 42-43) 👉 https://lnkd.in/eC3WAncfThis recognition is a true testament to the incredible attractions, events, partners, businesses, and people who make our county such a special place to visit – and to call home. Thank you to everyone who helps bring our story to life every day! 💙
