Lackawanna College announced today that it has been included in Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 for its Level Up program. The Level Up program responds to the national crisis surrounding the increasing cost of higher education by providing the opportunity for students to earn an associate degree while in high school.

Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies list highlights businesses and organizations that have made an impact and transformed their industry. Lackawanna College ranked No. 9 in the Corporate Social Responsibility category, which recognizes corporate initiatives that meaningfully make a positive contribution to their community and stakeholders.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer. “At Lackawanna College, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to bridge the socio-economic gap and help students obtain a degree quickly and at significantly less cost. More than ever, students need alternative pathways to help them succeed and thrive in an ever-changing world.”

President Murray has made innovation a priority at Lackawanna College over the years. Programs such as the Falcons Athletic Learning Community and its Developmental Student Model have demonstrated a commitment to student success through innovation while newer projects such as Level Up, a Venture Lab, and e-commerce programs have been included in the college’s curriculum over the last few years. 

Lackawanna College would like to recognize its partnerships with local organizations like the Sordoni Family Foundation and the Scranton Area Foundation that continue to enhance enrollment capacity, deepen student learning and support resources that are reflective of Lackawanna’s mission and vision of serving as the “communities’ college”.