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.
High School Students in Lackawanna College’s Level Up Program Honored On Tuesday, Sept. 21, several local high school students in Lackawanna College’s award-winning Level Up program were recognized at a ‘Level Up 30 Down’ reception on the main campus in Scranton. Students in the program are pursuing an associate degree through Lackawanna College while in high school and have earned 30 or more credits. “We are proud of our Level Up students and what they have accomplished,” said Dr. Abbey Judge, Level Up Program Director. “This progressive program fast tracks a student’s education, saving them both time and money, and prepares them academically for college-level academic rigor.” Level Up has graduated a total of 49 students, with 24 earning a certificate and 25 earning an associate degree since its launch in 2018. Upon completion, students can stay at Lackawanna to complete their degree, earning an incentive scholarship for their participation in the Level Up program, or transfer credits to another college or university. In March 2021, the business magazine Fast Company included Lackawanna College on its World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 list, specifically for the merits of our Level Up program. The College ranked 9th place in its Corporate Social Responsibility category. For more information about the Level Up program, visit www.lackawanna.edu/levelup. Photo Caption:Students in Lackawanna College’s award-winning Level Up program who earned 30 or more credits toward their associate degree were recognized at the ‘Level Up 30 Down’ reception. These high school students are on track to graduate with an associate degree from Lackawanna College when they graduate from high school. Listed are, from left to right, Connor McKeefery, Riverside HS, Professional Studies; Ava Aulisio, Old Forge HS, Professional Studies; Lawrence Lombardi, North Pocono HS, Professional Studies; Dr. Abbey Judge, Program Director; Kathryn Dougherty, Riverside HS, Professional Studies; Kayleigh Leonard, Abington Heights HS, Professional Studies; Shea Dailey, Notre Dame Academy, Stroudsburg, Professional Studies; Jason Catalano, Pittston Area HS, Criminal Justice. The following students are on track to graduate but were not in attendance: Isabelle Edwards, Blue Ridge HS, Professional Studies; Shannon Toolan, Mt. View HS, Business Administration; Ian Richmond, Mid Valley HS, Accounting; Sydney Harris, Riverside HS, Professional Studies.
Lackawanna College President Named to Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray has been selected as a member of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors. BFTP/NEP has led tech-based economic growth in the region for more than 35 years. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board of Directors,” said Dr. Murray. “The appointment is an honor and I look forward to collaborating with this innovative organization to support our local economy and encourage the growth of new businesses within our region.” “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jill Murray to our board,” said Angelo J. Valletta, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Her deep experience and thoughtful perspectives will be a great asset to our organization.” Dr. Jill Murray became the ninth and first female president of Lackawanna College on July 1, 2020. Prior to serving as president, Dr. Murray served as the College’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer from 2012 to July 1, 2020. From 2008-2012, she operated as the College’s vice president of academic affairs, where she was responsible for developing and overseeing all of Lackawanna College’s academic curricula. During her time at Lackawanna, Dr. Murray has helped double the student population, increased student retention and graduation rates, expanded online learning options, and lead the creation of academic programming and support services. She also implemented a strategic planning process at the College. Dr. Murray is the catalyst behind Lackawanna College’s successful esports program, one of NEPA’s first programs of its kind. Dr. Murray also assisted with the formation of the award-winning Level Up program, which allows high school students to affordably begin their college education and potentially complete an associate degree by high school graduation. Due to the success of the Level Up program, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 by Fast Company.
Lackawanna College and Wilkes University Sign Early Entrance Agreement Lackawanna College has signed an agreement that will give students early entry into Wilkes University’s Maslow Family Graduate Creative Writing Program. Students in the Lackawanna College Bachelor’s in Professional Studies English Writing concentration can begin pursuing master’s degree credits at Wilkes University. “This new opportunity lets Lackawanna students participate in undergraduate and graduate-level course work at the same time,” said Adrienne Asbury, Lackawanna College Dean of Curriculum and Faculty Affairs. “This partnership will benefit students academically, socially, and financially, as it will enable them to embark on their master’s degrees while still undergraduate students and avail themselves of all the resources Lackawanna College and Wilkes University have to offer.” “We are very excited to welcome Lackawanna College students to our nationally renowned graduate creative writing program,” said David Hicks, Wilkes University Director and Faculty of Practice in the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing. “Our graduate program is focused not only on the craft of writing but on the community of writers and the career of writing.” The agreement will be effective for the 2021-2022 school year and students will be able to start the master’s degree program during the January or June residency at Wilkes University. All credits completed at Wilkes University will be transferrable to Lackawanna College to meet degree requirements.
Southwestern Energy Sponsors Lackawanna College’s School of Petroleum & Natural Gas Lackawanna College announced Southwestern Energy as the official sponsor of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas Drilling and Production Lab located in the new Tunkhannock Center as part of an eight-year partnership with the company. “Southwestern Energy comes to Lackawanna College with a similar goal of building a skilled workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the energy sector,” said Susan Gumble, program director for the College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG). “The company’s proven leadership in the industry and commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities they serve makes them an ideal partner.” As part of the sponsorship, Southwestern Energy will receive naming rights to the drilling and production lab, which will be used for hands-on instruction. Funds from the partnership will be used to support the School of PNG degree and certificate programs. “Southwestern Energy is proud to partner with Lackawanna College on their move to Tunkhannock which will provide local students with enhanced educational opportunities and the skills necessary for employment in the natural gas industry,” said Mike Narcavage, Southwestern Energy’s Senior Community and Government Affairs Manager. “Our partnership goes back many years, and SWN has benefitted from Lackawanna College’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Program by hiring summer interns as well as graduates of the program to be full-time employees of our production, measurement, and maintenance teams. We look forward to continue building this successful partnership for many years to come.” Lackawanna College offers associate degree programs in petroleum and natural gas business administration and technology along with certificate programs in natural gas technician and compressor/engine mechanic. For more information on Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas programs, visit Lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna College Receives PA GOAL Grants Lackawanna College was recently awarded four grants from PA GOAL (Pennsylvania Grants for Open and Affordable Learning). PA GOAL supports student success by offering mini-grants to create open and affordable learning projects at a diverse range of institutions across Pennsylvania, through funding provided by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) by the state Department of Education (PDE) through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL), and managed by PALCI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. The funding will support the redesign of the institution’s American Government (HIS 118), Introduction to Psychology (PSY 105), Helping Skills (HSV 310), and Business Law (MGT 240) courses to utilize open educational resource (OER) materials. Dr. Gopu Kiron, Lackawanna College Associate Dean of eLearning and Information Literacy, identified a need to replace textbooks with cost-free eBooks and other resources. By utilizing freely available learning materials via OER in these courses, traditional textbook expenses will be eliminated. This shift will help to bridge the socio-economic gap and improve the accessibility of the College’s programs. “Obtaining this grant means that we can continue to further the mission of Lackawanna College, which is to provide a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives and better the communities in which they live,” said Dr. Kiron. “Implementing OER materials will help students to save money and will support the principles of equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our main campus and across our six satellite centers.” Dr. Kiron will lead a team of instructors, faculty, and staff in implementing structured course content based on OER materials that will be implemented during the 2021-2022 academic year. For more information on these grants managed by PALCI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization, visit PA GOAL’s website, pagoal.org.
