Treasurer Garrity Visits Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas Treasurer Stacy Garrity toured Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas, then took part in a roundtable discussion about education opportunities and economics in the region. Representatives of Lackawanna College, the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center, Northern Tier Industrial Education Center, Commonwealth Charitable Management, the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming County Community Alliance, and Coterra took part in the roundtable discussions. Treasurer Garrity shared the importance of the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program as a tool to support workforce development and help families save to make education of all types more affordable. She also emphasized the need for the Keystone Saves legislation. Keystone Saves allows employers who don’t currently have retirement plans for employees to provide retirement savings options to more than two million Pennsylvanians. “Lackawanna College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas is a crucial resource here in the northeast, where local industries need highly skilled workers,” Garrity said. “Programs like Treasury’s PA 529 program can help make education more affordable for students by offering tax-advantaged savings options to help pay for any type of higher education, including the many career-focused certificates and two-and four-year degrees offered right here in their own backyard.” The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program offers families two plans to choose from, the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) and the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP). IP account earnings are based on financial market performance, while GSP earnings are based on college tuition inflation. Both plans offer generous tax benefits including a state income tax deduction on contributions (up to $16,000 per beneficiary per year; $32,000 for married couples); PA state and federal tax-free contribution growth; no income tax paid on account growth when used for qualified expenses; and gift and inheritance tax benefits. Families can learn more about how to start saving with PA 529 plans at pa529.com or by calling 800-440-4000. “The Pennsylvania 529 plan is a great benefit for families and our communities,” said Sue Gumble, Director of the Lackawanna School of Petroleum and Natural Gas. “A career in the energy industry can be life-changing. This program financially prepares students for college, providing them with the means to pursue a degree and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.” “While our PA 529 program helps students pay for critical job-force training, there is potential for the same model to work to help them save throughout their careers and be better prepared for retirement,” Garrity said. “Proposed Keystone Saves legislation is by far the most business-friendly state retirement program out there, and it is so important that we make it a reality to help our friends and neighbors — our favorite waitress, hairstylist or mechanic — people we all know — have an easy way to save for retirement. It’s also a big boost for employers who would be able to offer retirement benefits to attract and retain more workers.” Keystone Saves, which will be introduced as HB 2156 by prime sponsor Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R) and co-sponsor Rep. Michael Driscoll (D), will expand retirement savings opportunities for more than two million Pennsylvanians. The business-friendly program lets employers offer retirement plans without having to worry about start-up costs, program liability, and other red tape that keeps them from doing so. Businesses will simply provide an employee census to Treasury and process a payroll deduction. Keystone Saves will be administered much like the PA 529 program as a public-private partnership. Employees maintain complete control of their accounts, and the accounts can follow them from job to job. The proposed legislation already has more than 50 co-sponsors from across the commonwealth. Ten other states have enacted similar legislation. “Keystone Saves is a win, win, win,” Garrity said. “Employers can offer a great benefit, hardworking Pennsylvanians get an easy way to save for retirement, and taxpayers save billions of dollars, because it’s estimated that without action unprepared retirees will cost Pennsylvanians more than $14 billion over 15 years to cover extra social services costs.” “It’s clear that Treasurer Garrity understands the crucial role that energy plays in our country’s economy and workforce development,” said George Stark, Director of External Affairs at Coterra Energy. “Her eagerness to learn about our industry is refreshing and we’re excited for the chance to share more about our commitment to the community and environmental excellence.”
Lackawanna College Announces Tuition-Free Education Partnership with Allied Services Lackawanna College announced a new partnership which will allow employees at one of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s largest non-profit healthcare systems to attend college tuition-free. Under the agreement, eligible employees at Allied Services Integrated Health System can pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at Lackawanna College. Full-time and part-time employees at Allied Services will be eligible for the Lackawanna College Business Partners Scholarship which covers tuition for the Fall and Spring semesters. “The need for trained healthcare professionals in our area continues to grow,” stated Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Our evolving partnership with Allied Services enhances the quality of our area’s healthcare services by filling in-demand positions with a skilled workforce. Opportunities like this make college affordable and accessible – a great equalizer for families and our communities.” This latest partnership enhances Allied Services’ existing tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement programs for employees. In 2021, Allied Services and Lackawanna College announced a new nursing scholarship to provide full tuition for eligible students in Lackawanna College’s nursing associate degree program. Students awarded these scholarships can work at Allied Services while continuing their education and be guaranteed a full-time position upon graduation and licensure as a registered nurse. In addition, Allied Services offers its own scholarship and tuition assistance programs to support a diverse workforce that includes mental health workers, mechanics, therapists, accountants, nutritionists, social workers, and many more. “As a leading employer in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, we recognize the importance and value of investing in our employees, their families, and their futures,” said Attorney Bill Conaboy, President and CEO. “Our employees are at the heart of all we do for our patients, our residents, and our communities. We look forward to supporting them as they pursue their personal and professional goals. ” The public-private partnership is one of many that are in the works at Lackawanna College that will cover a student’s full tuition. “The Lackawanna College Business Partnership Scholarship Initiative helps businesses of all sizes develop and retain employees,” said Jeff Gregory, Director of College Enrollment Partnerships. “A partnership with Lackawanna College includes a tuition scholarship that can be offered to employees, allowing the workforce to pursue a bachelor’s or associate degree.”
Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Support Diversity Initiatives A $2,500 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence will help Lackawanna College build a multi-stage diversity and inclusion improvement plan. The grant will provide funds for the College to hire a consultant service to assist in creating and administering a comprehensive institutional equity audit. The audit will focus on the student experience, examining organizational practices and policies related to diversity and inclusion. “There’s a need to identify the College’s strengths and weaknesses, so we can create a more vibrant college community, improving the experience for all students, particularly those who have been traditionally marginalized and underrepresented,” said Joya Whittington, project director. “I’m grateful that we were approved for this grant so we can begin to implement institutional and social change.” Faculty and staff members on the College’s Diversity, Equity, Justice and Inclusion (DEJI) committee will lead the project. Branching off from the audit, the committee will establish a multi-phase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) improvement action plan and initiate short and long-term educational activities.
Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Enhance Electricity Education Lackawanna College has been awarded $20,000 from the TC Energy Foundation to enhance electricity training for students in the College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas located in Tunkhannock, Pa.The grant allows the College to purchase state-of-the-art simulation equipment that will train students on components and situations found in modern electrical circuits. “We are grateful to the TC Energy Foundation for its support of our programs,” said Susan Gumble, director of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas. “Electricity education and hands-on training play an integral role in preparing our students for successful careers in the natural gas industry.” The funding will also be used for printed materials, including lab books and workbooks that students will use while taking electricity-related courses. “Building strong communities through giving back is an integral part of our values,” said Trevence Mitchell, Assistant Director of the TC Energy Foundation. “We are proud to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople and thank Lackawanna College for providing students the necessary training to ensure they are ready to enter the workforce.” For more information on the Lackawanna College Tunkhannock Center, home of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas, visit https://www.lackawanna.edu/tunkhannock.
Lackawanna College Police Academy Graduates Sponsored Police Academy Cadets Ten cadets graduated from the Lackawanna College Police Academy on Dec. 2, ready to begin careers in law enforcement with the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre police departments. The newest group of cadets make up the 255th graduating cadet class and are part of a partially funded program by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). Municipalities are eligible for partial reimbursement if they hire a cadet prior to the start of an Academy training program. “The Academy staff and administration are proud of the graduates of class 255,” said John Chilleri, Director of the Lackawanna College Police Academy. “This is the first class where all cadets were hired as full-time officers by a municipality prior to the start of the program.” The partnership between the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre police departments, MPOETC, and Lackawanna College to train cadets is an example of the commitment the College has made to meet the needs of law enforcement in NEPA. “We are very excited to have our four officers fully trained and certified,” Chief Joseph Coffay of the Wilkes-Barre Police Department said. “They will be an added asset to the department and I am sure they are happy to finish their academic requirements and are happy to begin their career serving the citizens of Wilkes-Barre.” Thanks to an Act 89 annual grant of $5 million authorized in 2019, the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton Police Departments are eligible for partial reimbursement by MPOETC after cadets complete the program. MPOETC will reimburse the departments 75% of the tuition and 45% of the hourly wage for the required hours of training for any cadet hired by the department and paid to attend the Lackawanna College Police Academy. “The Scranton Police Department is excited to have six new officers joining the ranks of our department,” Scranton Police Department Chief Leonard Namiotka said. “It was also special that the entire graduating class was sponsored by the respective agencies of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. I am also thrilled that Act 89 will be reimbursing the City 75% of the tuition and 45% of the hourly wage for the required hours of training for the cadets. This will allow that money to be spent on more items such as training and equipment for the department to better serve the community.” Graduates from Class 255 included William Ardoline, Dupont; Adam Bisignani, City of Scranton; James Griffith, City of Scranton.; Carlos Muniz Jr., Wilkes-Barre; Richard Olshefski, Mountain Top; Cameron Rawlings, City of Scranton; Thomas Stornable, City of Scranton; Kevin Sweeney, City of Scranton; William Wilk, Plymouth, and Zachary Zelinski, City of Scranton.
Lackawanna College to Offer Tuition-Free Classes to Local McDonald’s Employees Lackawanna College announced a new partnership that will allow employees in 16 local McDonald’s attend college tuition-free. Under the agreement, qualifying employees at the chain’s locations operated by the Mueller family can pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at Lackawanna College. To qualify, McDonald’s employees must work 90 days and have a minimum of 16 hours per week to register for classes and begin earning credits. “This is a huge win for our community at large,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “This partnership is solving the two major social and economic issues— a growing national workforce shortage and the rising cost of college tuition. Opportunities like this make college affordable and accessible – a great equalizer for all families.” The public-private partnership is one of many at Lackawanna College but is the first of several partnerships that will cover a student’s full tuition. “Our organization is so excited to partner with Lackawanna College, “said Christina Mueller-Curran, owner/operator of Mueller family McDonald’s. “This partnership is so meaningful because it will be a way to provide accessible education for our employees and allow them to fulfill their personal goals and ambitions. We look forward to seeing the personal and professional growth and development of our employees as a direct result of their ability to continue their education if they so choose.” This opportunity is exclusively available at the Mueller family McDonald’s in Allentown, Bethlehem, Carbondale, Clarks Summit, Dickson City, Eynon, Honesdale, Mountain Top, Old Forge, Scranton, Shavertown, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and Wyoming, To learn more about this partnership and others, visit www.lackawanna.edu/partners.
Partnership with Local Pharmacy Offers Tuition-Free Education at Lackawanna College Employees at DePietro’s Pharmacy in Dunmore will get a chance to attend Lackawanna College tuition-free in a new partnership agreement announced this week. Under the agreement, DePietro’s employees who meet the requirements for the pharmacy’s tuition program will be offered a Lackawanna College Business Partners Scholarship. The agreement will allow employees to attend Lackawanna College tuition-free to pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree.“Working together with our local and regional businesses continue to help us understand and answer some of our labor force needs,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Partnering with DePietro’s Pharmacy will give employees a path to careers in growing and in-demand fields like healthcare.” Dr. Murray also states that these partnerships help solve the social and economic issues of a growing national workforce shortage and the rising cost of tuition, keeping college affordable and accessible.“The Lackawanna College Business Partnership Scholarship initiative is a great program that helps the College connect with the NEPA workforce,” said Jeff Gregory, Director of College Enrollment Partnerships. “Partnering businesses can offer employees a valuable incentive that helps retain their employees as well as hiring additional employees by helping them achieve additional skills.” “At DePietro’s Pharmacy, we would not be successful without the hard work and effort given by all our employees. On a daily basis, I strive to show my appreciation for their commitment to our customers. This partnership will truly provide a life-changing experience for my team and future employees,” said Thomas DePietro, Pharmacist and Owner of DePietro’s Pharmacy. The public-private partnership is one of many that are in the works at Lackawanna College that will cover a student’s full tuition.
LCEEC Announces Expansion of Conservation & Natural Resource Certificate Program Conservation and Natural Resource students performing water sampling at Lacawac Sanctuary. The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) has announced the addition of a spring session of the Conservation and Natural Resource (CNR) certificate program. The program is currently accepting applications and is set to begin on January 24, 2022, and will end on May 13, 2022. During this 15-week accelerated program, students will complete five undergraduate-level field biology courses at the LCEEC located on 211-acres of diverse habitat in Covington Township, Pa. The curriculum focuses on the conservation and interpretation of our natural environment. The program includes instruction in environmental interpretation, wildlife management, freshwater ecosystems, dendrology, and ornithology. Students will also experience both classroom and hands-on field training throughout the program. The CNR certificate is appropriate for anyone seeking a career as a park ranger or in a related field. Students may also take individual courses. Courses are transferable into two or four-year degree programs. Upon graduation, students will receive a CNR certificate and transcripts of their undergraduate coursework. Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2022 semester and financial aid is available. The CNR program is also approved for WIOA funding for displaced workers or individuals with high financial needs. Please call PA Career Link for Lackawanna County to verify WIOA funding eligibility. For more information about the program, please visit lackawanna.edu or contact Sharon Yanik-Craig at yaniks@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 842-1506.
Lackawanna College Hosts Recovery Walk for National Recovery Month Members of the Lackawanna College community, including students in the Addictions concentration of the College’s bachelor’s degree program, conducted a Recovery Walk in downtown Scranton today. September is National Recovery Month, and students and staff spent the morning learning about care providers within walking distance of the main campus, including DATS, TPALS, and The Recovery Bank.
Lackawanna College Ranked Among Fastest-Growing Colleges Lackawanna College is ranked as the fastest-growing private, nonprofit college in the nation by the Chronicle of Higher Education on their Fastest-Growing Colleges, 2009-2019 list. The publication displays a Fall 2019 enrollment growth of 33% with students enrolled at a bachelor’s or an associate degree institution compared to 2009. The Chronicle states that the data is based on a fall headcount of full and part-time students of degree-granting institutions with at least 500 students. “This amazing growth validates that we are meeting the needs of our students, parents, and our communities,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Lackawanna College continues to set a standard for providing a high-quality education that’s accessible and meets the growing need for innovative programs that fill in-demand occupations.” From 2009 to 2019, the College added noteworthy programs including the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas; the Sunbury Center; Health Sciences programs like Surgical Technology and Occupational Therapy Assistant; its first bachelor’s degrees in programs including Business, Criminal Justice, and Human Services; and the award-winning Level Up program.
