Lackawanna College’s Sporting Clay Tournament Benefits Petroleum and Natural Gas Program Lackawanna College is set to host its annual Sporting Clay Tournament, a pivotal event supporting the Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) program and its students. Originating from an initiative by Coterra, the tournament has been organized by Lackawanna College since 2018. It continues to provide crucial financial support to students in the PNG program. 100% of the proceeds from the Sporting Clay Tournament are allocated to the PNG program, funding scholarships, equipment, and materials that reflect the tools and technologies used in the natural gas industry. “We try to provide our students with hands-on experience with the equipment PNG companies use in the industry. Investments from the tournament allow us to purchase smaller, industry-specific equipment,” Vice President of External/Government Affairs Brian Costanzo said. “The dollars from this tournament not only help purchase equipment but also provide students with scholarships and grants for the PNG program.” While the Lackawanna College School of PNG and the College Advancement team present this event, the tournament couldn’t achieve the same levels of past success without the direct support of numerous natural gas companies from across the region. This partnership emphasizes the mutual benefit of connecting education with industry needs. Students actively participate in the tournament by volunteering to staff the event and meet some of the companies who sponsor it. “The PNG students have the unique opportunity to interact with the managers of the companies during the tournament,” Costanzo said. “These interactions serve as an early introduction to potential future employers, enhancing their professional network.” The Lackawanna College Sporting Clay Tournament has become a significant annual event, offering students unique opportunities for both educational advancement and career preparation. The tournament will be on Thursday, September 19, at Hausmann’s Hidden Hollow in Friendsville, PA. Those interested in attending can find more information or register online at the Sporting Clay Tournament page on Lackawanna.edu. Parties interested in sponsoring the event can also find additional information on sponsorship packages and ways to get involved
Lackawanna College Earns Institutional Reaccreditation for Next Eight Years Lackawanna College has earned reaccreditation through the 2031-32 academic year from The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The reaccreditation reflects the college’s commitment to maintaining high standards of education and accountability. The reaffirmation culminates a rigorous two-year long self-study process that directly involved more than 100 faculty, staff, students, board members and employers. The process included various reviews of Lackawanna College’s strategic plan, enrollment process, academic development and offerings, campus life, fiscal health and student success rate. “This impressive outcome reflects our continued commitment to providing a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D. said. “This is a critical accomplishment and reflects years of hard work by our entire college community. While we are proud of our results, we are even more proud of our outstanding team.” As part of the reaccreditation process, a self-study team was created to review and prepare information for the MSCHE evaluation team’s three-day site visit in March 2024. The self-study team was led by Lackawanna College Provost Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Health Sciences Kelly A. Musti, PT, DPT, Dean of Curriculum and Faculty Affairs Adrienne Asbury and Director of Academic Quality Lindsey Munley. The Lackawanna College community also collaborated for the site visit by partaking in self-study activities, participating in working groups and were heavily involved in the on-site MSCHE visit. After the review, the MSCHE found Lackawanna College meets all standards and requirements for accreditation, providing nine commendations for outstanding aspects of the college. As of July 2024, the MSCHE has formally accepted the evaluation team’s report and reaffirmed its accreditation status. “Maintaining our MSCHE accreditation is vital for ensuring academic excellence and institutional integrity,” Musti said. “Achieving reaffirmation of our accreditation is not merely a benchmark; it supports Lackawanna College’s commitment to providing a high-quality education and making a positive impact within our community.” The MSCHE is a voluntary, non-profit association providing accreditation to institutions of higher education in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The next self-study evaluation will take place in eight years.
Lackawanna College Offers Many Ways to Save on Tuition Lackawanna College continues to lead the way in making higher education more accessible and affordable for students through groundbreaking corporate partnerships and a robust Dual Enrollment program. Corporate Partnerships: A Pathway to Affordable Education Lackawanna College has created strategic partnerships with several prominent local employers, including McDonald’s, Sheetz and Allied Services Integrated Health System. These partnerships offer scholarships to employees, helping to lower tuition costs and provide educational opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. The partnership with Mueller Family McDonald’s is open to all its employees and has enabled approximately 70 students to attend Lackawanna College for free. Similarly, Sheetz and Allied Services employees benefit from scholarship opportunities that assist with tuition expenses. “Our partnership with Lackawanna College has been incredibly successful. We’ve seen firsthand how these scholarships can change lives by making college education accessible to our employees,” owner of several McDonald’s franchises and a Lackawanna College Board member, Christina Curran said. Dual Enrollment: Expanding Opportunities for High School Students Since its inception in 2006, Lackawanna College’s Dual Enrollment (DE) program has grown exponentially, both in participation and impact. The program allows high school students to take college-level courses, earning credits that can be applied toward a college degree while still fulfilling high school requirements. From 2022 to 2024, the number of students participating in the DE program increased from 1,832 to 2,110, and the number of credits earned grew from 11,071 to 13,194. Over the past 12 years, the DE program has saved local students over $30 million in tuition costs. Students pay only $100 per credit, a rate that has remained unchanged for over a decade. The program is available to students in 62 schools across 27 school districts and 14 counties, with more schools joining each year. “The amount of people this impacts is amazing. For example, my daughter did Dual Enrollment for a year and took a year off her time in college. She’s getting her bachelor’s degree in three years instead of four. The one thing you can’t save is time,” Director of College Partnerships, Phil Campbell said. The DE program supports a wide range of educational pathways, allowing students to take general education courses and earn up to $6,200 in scholarships towards an associate degree. Additionally, the “Level Up” program provides one-on-one support to guide students to their degrees and is available across all Lackawanna College campuses. Lackawanna College also offers targeted programs to help students gain a competitive edge in the job market. The SOAR program is designed for students who are occupationally and academically ready, aligning high school courses with postsecondary programs, allowing students to earn up to 15 college credits. The PNG 105 program, an introductory course to the Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) program, available since 2013, helps students earn their degrees faster and fills a critical educational gap in Career and Technical Centers. “I’m going to say 95% of my students had no intentions of going to college. When I meet with them, introduce them to the program and start teaching college credits they realize, number one I can do this and number two I can afford this,” Associate Program Director of the School of PNG, Jeremy Yadlosky, said. “We’ve built a great relationship with the students and schools thanks to the program.” In light of rising tuition costs, Lackawanna College offers practical solutions to help make higher education more affordable. To learn more about Lackawanna College’s corporate sponsorships and Dual Enrollment, visit Lackawanna.edu or call the college’s Admissions Department at 570-961-7898.
Lackawanna College Police Academy Graduation to Host Scranton Police Detective WHEN: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Lackawanna College’s Peoples Security Bank Theater, Angeli Hall, 501 Vine St., Scranton, PA. WHAT: The Lackawanna College Police Academy will graduate the full-time Class 262. The graduating class includes 26 cadets who are set to embark on their careers in law enforcement. Kevin Mahoney, Director of Police Academy Operations, will welcome attendees and present certifications to the cadets. We are honored to have Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin as our guest speaker. Detective Gilmartin will share his insights and experiences to inspire the new graduates. MEDIA RSVP: Space is limited, and media representatives are requested to RSVP prior to attending the event. Please contact Eric Eiden, Media Relations Coordinator, at eidene@lackawanna.edu or (570) 961-7807.
Lackawanna College Graduation to Feature Speech by Scranton Police Detective The Lackawanna College Police Academy is proud to announce the graduation of its full-time Class 262. This distinguished class comprises 26 dedicated cadets who are set to embark on their careers in law enforcement. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Lackawanna College’s Peoples Security Bank Theater, Angeli Hall, 501 Vine St., Scranton, PA. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Kevin Mahoney, Director of Police Academy Operations, will welcome attendees and present certifications to the cadets. We are honored to have Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin as our guest speaker. Detective Gilmartin will share his insights and experiences to inspire the new graduates. Space is limited, and media representatives are requested to RSVP prior to attending the event. Please contact Eric Eiden, Media Relations Coordinator, at eidene@lackawanna.edu or (570) 961-7807.
Lackawanna College Brings Medical Students to NEPA Today, Lackawanna College proudly announces its partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), the City of Scranton and several regional healthcare organizations to launch the Northeast Pennsylvania Clinical Education Consortium (NEPCEC). The first group of nine medical students from two different Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine began their clinical rotations in Scranton on July 1, 2024. Next year’s group is already projected to increase to 20 students. “This is a unique opportunity, not just for the students, but for our school and community,” said Jill Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Lackawanna College. “Our long-term hope for the osteopathic medical students is for them to establish ties to the community, to also pursue a residency here with the Wright Center and to eventually practice in the region.” Lackawanna College, along with members of the Scranton community, including strong support from the mayor’s office approached AACOM to identify member colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) willing and able to participate. In this inaugural year, students came from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Next year, students from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine will begin participating. “We are extremely proud to be a part of this innovative and game-changing project,” said Robert A, Cain, DO, President and CEO of AACOM. “Finding high quality clinical opportunities is a challenge for every medical school, and here the community has come together to create a complete experience for our students. In turn, our students will help bolster the health care network in the region and establish ties that could lead to residencies and professional practices there down the road. This win-win scenario has great potential for communities across the country. Particularly those with health care access equity issues.” About the NEPCEC The Consortium is a group of five clinical partners and other community groups, led by Lackawanna College in Scranton, that have assembled a clinical education consortium specifically designed for osteopathic medical students. Students will be provided with living and dining options, academic and logistical support, as well as having the clinical rotation spots created and reserved specifically for them. Along with providing housing and opportunities for the students, the Consortium has worked hard to create quality clinical rotations as well as finding preceptors in all clinical specialties from the area. Both are challenges that are only getting harder for medical schools as the number of medical schools, particularly DO schools, continue to grow. This holistic approach to clinical rotations is only made possible through a collaborative effort of the entire community. “Allied Services is proud to play a role in Lackawanna College’s physician development initiative,” said William P. Conaboy, President and CEO, Allied Services. “The partnership with Lackawanna and our other collaborators is essential to advance the pipeline of doctors for our region and fits nicely with our new physician residency program.” Key Consortium partners include: Lackawanna College is an accredited degree-granting undergraduate college with 2000 degree-seeking students in more than 30 majors. Lackawanna has engaged in a community-wide convening role to develop innovative partners to support osteopathic medical students in Scranton. Allied Services Healthcare is a system consisting of Allied Services Rehabilitation Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities and outpatient clinics and rehabilitation. Allied Rehabilitation hospital has an ACGME-accredited PM&R residency program with whom students will rotate as an elective. Commonwealth Health includes two large hospitals in Scranton as well as Wilkes-Barre General Hospital nearby. Commonwealth will be providing the majority of the teaching rotations to students. Scranton Primary Health Care Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Scranton and surrounding areas that provides primary care, dental care and behavioral healthcare. SPHCC has rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and psychiatry. The Wright Center, an FQHC Look-Alike, is now the largest Teaching Health Center in the nation, with nearly 250 residents and fellows trained in each of the eight Wright Center locations around Eastern Pennsylvania. The Wright Center will provide primary care rotations and OMM training by its faculty. “It’s been a pleasure to work with our partnering physicians and healthcare providers to help build an osteopathic physician training network in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Frank Kolucki, M.D., Commonwealth Health System Physician & NEPCEC Medical Director. “The students we have from PCOM and Touro Medical Schools have been eagerly engaged in their training and have brought an excitement and enthusiasm that is very refreshing and exciting to witness.”
Lackawanna College Receives Grant to Support Adult Literacy Lackawanna College was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) to support adult literacy. This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. With today’s grants, the DGLF also surpasses helping more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams since its inception in 1993. The Lackawanna Language Academy (LLA) will provide free ESL classes to benefit the residents of Hazleton, PA. The LLA will offer three, 10-week ESL classes that will occur in Summer and Fall 2024 and Winter 2025. Experienced ESL Instructors will provide responsive, individualized, in-person instruction of literacy skills. Additionally, take-home lessons will assist Spanish-speaking individuals with limited English proficiency to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills by at least 2 proficiency levels to attain Adult Basic English proficiency. Lackawanna College also offers Continuing Education Certifications for the Workforce and an English Proficiency college certificate in an 18-credit program that advances English learning and prepares learners for college-level work. “We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “This year’s spring grant cycle is equally exciting as we surpass impacting more than 20 million individuals. We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives, helping them to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.” The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
Lackawanna College Announces Police Academy Cadet Graduation The Lackawanna College Police Academy will graduate the full-time Class 261 of Hazleton during the ceremony. The graduating classes includes 29 total cadets, who will begin their careers in law enforcement. Director of Police Academy Operations Kevin Mahoney will welcome those attending and present certifications to the cadets during the ceremony. Guest speaker Jenny Roberts, Esq. Assistant U.S. Attorney, will attend the ceremony to speak to the cadets. Tuesday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Lackawanna College Peoples Security Bank Theater, Angeli Hall, 501 Vine St., Scranton, Pa. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending the event. Contact Eric Eiden, media relations coordinator eidene@lackawanna.edu or 570-961-7807.
Lackawanna College Awarded $150,000 Grant to Further Assist Parenting Students Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant for $150,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education. The funds from this grant will expand existing resources for parenting students to directly impact the persistence of parenting students with tuition assistance, emergency funding, and support services. “We are thrilled to receive the Parent Pathways Grant, allowing us to grow our support services for parenting students,” Brian Costanzo, vice president for government affairs & special projects said. “At Lackawanna, we are dedicated to ensuring that all students, regardless of their family responsibilities, have the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally.” The Parent Pathways grant aims to provide essential resources directly tailored to the needs of parenting students, ensuring their success in academic endeavors. Initiatives in the grant include childcare costs, scholarships, emergency funds for parenting students who require assistance with an academic or basic need affecting their education. These enhanced support services will benefit approximately 21% of Lackawanna’s parenting learners, providing them with the necessary assistance to navigate the demands of both parenthood and higher education. “We strive to offer as much support as possible to our students, and initiatives like the Parent Pathways Grant help further our mission to provide a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives and better the communities in which they live,” Costanzo said. For more information about Lackawanna College and its support services for parenting students, please visit Lackawanna.edu.
