NEPIRC Secures Significant Grant from the Luzerne Foundation to Expand its Dream Team Program

Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant grant aimed at enhancing and expanding its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program, which serves to bridge the gap between students in northeastern, northern and north central PA and manufacturing careers.

From right to left: Eric Joseph Esoda, president & CEO, NEPIRC; Jenelle Osborne, talent stream coordinator, NEPIRC; and David Pedri, president and CEO, The Luzerne Foundation

NEPIRC was awarded a three-year, $30,000/year grant from The Luzerne Foundation’s Pasco L. Schiavo Fund, marking NEPIRC’s first philanthropic foundation grant. This substantial investment underscores the regional and statewide impact of the Dream Team program.

With this grant, NEPIRC’s Dream Team will expand school and student outreach throughout Luzerne County, primarily in the Hazleton and Weatherly areas. NEPIRC’s Dream Team will recruit Spanish-speaking ambassadors, work within underserved communities and host engagements for underserved populations in the Hispanic/Latino community. The grant will also allow the Dream Team program to create Dream Team presentations, videos and career awareness materials in Spanish.

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant. “Pasco Schiavo was a man who always gave individuals a chance who wanted to work hard and better their communities,” said David Pedri, president and CEO of The Luzerne Foundation. “The Luzerne Foundation is honored to partner with NEPIRC and its Dream Team to keep Pasco’s legacy of generosity alive by helping the next generation achieve success,” continued Pedri.