Educator in the Workplace Program Equips Teachers with Real-World Insight to Strengthen Student Career Readiness The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development division, Skills in Scranton, recently concluded its 2024–25 Educator in the Workplace program, providing participating educators with valuable, hands-on experiences at local businesses to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers. This year’s Educator in the Workplace program was made possible through a grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Robert H. Spitz Foundation, along with generous sponsorships from Pennsylvania American Water and Cardinal LG. The program placed educators into dynamic workplace environments across key industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and business services. Through immersive site visits, panel discussions, and professional development sessions, educators explored high-priority occupations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, gained a deeper understanding of evolving workforce needs, and learned about the career readiness skills that today’s employers value. Educators gained insights into topics such as: Business and economic development resources available to students and educators Regional high-priority occupations and workforce trends in Northeastern Pennsylvania Career pathway development and how to align classroom instruction with workforce needs “Educator in the Workplace is about building meaningful connections between our schools and local industries. By immersing educators in real-world work environments, we help bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. The insights gained through this program empower educators to better prepare their students for the opportunities that exist right here in northeastern Pennsylvania, said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Participants left the program energized and equipped with strategies to help students better understand career opportunities available across northeastern Pennsylvania—and the skills they’ll need to pursue them. “Participating in the Educator in the Workplace program opened doors I never imagined for my students,” shared Sherri Ransom, transition coordinator at Mountain View High School. “Because of the partnerships we built, three of our students were hired by Simplex Industries for internships, and three more were accepted into a career-building program with Geisinger. This experience has been transformative—not just for me as an educator, but for the future of our students.” The 2024–25 Educator in the Workplace cohort included the following participants: Bonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Lisa Bath, Abington Heights School District Gena Bensinger, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 William Buza, Mid Valley School District Amy Capman, Mid Valley School District Jessica Capwell, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Brian Carey, Scranton School District Tara Carey, Scranton School District Mary Kate Culkin, Scranton School District Arianne DelSordo, Old Forge School District Terri Erdmann, Forest City Regional School District William Freeman, Lakeland School District Andrea Gross, Scranton School District Jennifer Herman, Scranton School District Maria Hurst, Scranton School District Jessica Judge, Scranton School District Jane Kabuiku, SCI Waymart Christine Kallinger-Allen, Abington Heights School District Stephanie Klinkel, Scranton School District Samantha Krenitsky, Scranton School District Christopher Lazor, Riverside School District Buford Lively, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Emily Lutz, Scranton School District Laurie Marino, Valley View School District Marie Merkel, Scranton School District John Moran, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Sandy Morahan, Forest City Regional School District Landon Morey, Montrose Area School District Janelle Cortino, Scranton School District Jessica Norris, Scranton School District Kathleen Nycz, Old Forge School District Carm Perri, Carbondale Area School District Cynthia Petrucci, Scranton School District Gabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School District Sheri Ransom, Mountain View School District Bernadette Schumacher, Mid Valley School District Shauna Williams, Blue Ridge School District Tim Wolff, Scranton School District Maureen Walsh, Scranton School District Marc Wyandt, Lakeland School District This initiative continues to strengthen the collaboration between education and industry, ensuring students are not only academically prepared but also career-ready.
Skills in Scranton Empowers Future Workforce at Summit Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, successfully hosted the 2025 Workforce Summit on Thursday, March 20, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. The event brought together over 200 students from eight regional school districts, more than 50 regional employers, and over 150 job-seeking walk-ins. Designed to bridge the gap between career opportunities and students who may not be college-bound, the summit showcased viable career paths available in northeastern Pennsylvania. The event featured dynamic keynote presentations by Ryan Leckey of Ryan Leckey Media and Marc Gonzalez of Site2. Both speakers offered valuable insights on career development, workforce trends, and strategies for growth in today’s evolving job market. Between the keynote sessions, attendees participated in panel discussions covering topics such as manufacturing, the trades, and professional development. Students and job seekers also had the chance to network with local employers, explore job openings, and engage in interactive career sessions focused on workforce readiness. “The Workforce Summit is an incredible opportunity for students and job seekers to connect directly with employers who are eager to hire local talent,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “By providing hands-on career exploration and professional development resources, we’re ensuring that our future workforce is prepared to succeed in the dynamic job market of northeastern Pennsylvania.” By fostering direct connections between employers and future employees, the Workforce Summit continues to strengthen the regional economy. Skills in Scranton remains committed to delivering impactful programs that address the area’s workforce needs, ensuring students and job seekers have the resources and opportunities to build meaningful careers in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Skills in Scranton Awarded Community Needs Grant To Expand Career Pathways Resources Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This funding will support the expansion and promotion of career pathways resources, providing invaluable tools to students, educators, and job seekers across northeastern Pennsylvania. The Community Needs Grant will enable Skills in Scranton to enhance its existing programs aimed at addressing the region’s workforce challenges. These efforts include expanding the Career Pathways Curriculum Guide and increasing the availability of the career pathways video resources that connect students and job seekers with high-priority occupations in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and business services. “This grant is a significant step forward in our mission to connect students, educators, and job seekers with the resources they need to thrive,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “By expanding our career pathways initiatives, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities necessary for success in a dynamic workforce.” Through this grant, Skills in Scranton will also increase outreach efforts, ensuring that its career pathways resources reach a broader audience. The expanded programming will focus on equipping students and educators with actionable insights into local career opportunities and supporting businesses in building connections with emerging talent. The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grants aim to address critical community challenges and create impactful solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents.
The 2025 Workforce Summit Features Ryan Leckey and Marc Gonzalez in March Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces the upcoming 2025 Workforce Summit, set to take place on Thursday, March 20, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. This premier event is designed to empower students, job seekers, and business professionals with invaluable opportunities to connect, develop, and grow in their careers in northeastern Pennsylvania. The 2025 Workforce Summit will feature a robust lineup of activities aimed at fostering connections and career advancement, such as meeting with employers with available positions, professional development sessions like mock interviews and assistance in writing a resume, and featured presentations from Ryan Leckey, CEO and founder of Ryan Leckey Media, and Marc Gonzalez, CEO and co-founder of Site2. The Workforce Summit is tailored for high school students preparing for life after graduation, college students exploring career opportunities and seeking employer connections, job seekers eager to advance or change their careers, and business professionals looking to enhance their skills and hire for their open positions. Don’t Miss This FREE Opportunity: Join us on March 20 to Develop. Educate. and Network. Whether you’re a student charting your future or a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities, the 2025 Workforce Summit is the perfect place to prepare for what’s next. Learn more online at ScrantonChamber.com.
Skills in Scranton Hosted Annual State of the Workforce Event Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted its annual State of the Workforce event in partnership with The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. This signature virtual event welcomed educators and Chamber member businesses to explore critical workforce trends and opportunities shaping the region. The presentation provided key insights into the region’s evolving job market, spotlighting top employers and industries hiring for in-demand careers. Attendees gained valuable information about workforce data, labor force participation, and skills gaps, all designed to support efforts to address challenges and enhance regional economic development. “The State of the Workforce event is an invaluable tool for educators and businesses alike,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “This data empowers participants to better understand our regional workforce landscape and use this knowledge to address challenges, inform classroom instruction, and drive strategic decision-making.” To access the 2025 State of the Workforce presentation, visit SkillsinScranton.com or contact Emily Pettinato at EPettinato@ScrantonChamber.com.
Skills in Scranton Awarded $15,000 Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Advance Career Awareness Programs Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support Skills in Scranton’s efforts to enhance career awareness programs and strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and the business community. These initiatives aim to empower students and job seekers with a deeper understanding of diverse career pathways and equip them to navigate the evolving workforce landscape. “Business leaders across Northeastern Pennsylvania recognize that workforce development is critical to the economic future of our region and the long-term success of our youth,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This funding is instrumental in advancing our mission to foster career awareness and build a robust talent pipeline. It allows us to connect with students and job seekers, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed career decisions.” Skills in Scranton has developed a sector-based, industry-driven approach to address skills shortages, cultivate talent pipelines, and create meaningful career pathways. By engaging leading industry sectors, the organization continues to build opportunities that support the region’s workforce and economic growth. “Supporting initiatives that connect education to workforce development is important to the Robert H. Spitz Foundation,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are proud to support Skills in Scranton to empower students and job seekers with tools to build meaningful careers, while strengthening the economic future of our region.” For more information about Skills in Scranton and its initiatives, please visit skillsinscranton.com.
Skills in Scranton Awarded Business Education Partnership Grant to Expand Career Video Library Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces it has been awarded a Business Education Partnership Grant from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board. The grant supports the creation of five additional career pathways videos that spotlight high-demand trades in Lackawanna County, which include carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and welding. These new videos join Skills in Scranton’s expanding resource library at skillsinscranton.com. The resource library introduces job seekers to high-demand careers in the community. Skills in Scranton partners with school districts and higher education institutions in Lackawanna County to integrate the resource library into classrooms—giving students valuable insights and real-world connections to in-demand careers. “We are thrilled to expand our resource library with support from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board,” shared Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “These career pathway videos are a critical tool in our mission to equip students with career knowledge and exposure to local opportunities that align with their interests and the needs of our region.” Virginia Turano, executive director of Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “The Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board is pleased to collaborate with The Chamber and its division, Skills in Scranton, to promote career pathways initiatives for students in Lackawanna County. And I applaud the expansion of this new and exciting tool supporting student knowledge, growth, and development.” The grant represents a significant step forward in fostering career readiness and workforce alignment in Lackawanna County. Skills in Scranton’s video library provides an enriched selection of career insights for students, job seekers, and educators, guiding them toward fulfilling careers essential to the region. Each videos offers an in-depth view of the professions, the required training, and the many job opportunities available in Lackawanna County.
Wallenpaupack Freshmen Visit Scranton Enterprise Center to Explore Entrepreneurship and Workforce Resources The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Wallenpaupack Area School District’s freshman class of 2028 to the Scranton Enterprise Center for an engaging day focused on business, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The visit introduced students to resources available in Lackawanna County, such as the IGNITE program and the Chamber’s Career Resource Video Library, aimed at supporting students interested in pursuing careers in northeastern Pennsylvania. During the visit, students learned about the resources and support available for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, gaining insights into potential career pathways. “This experience was a great way for students to learn about entrepreneurship and small businesses in our area as a potential career path,” said Maria Day, IGNITE Program Manager. The event highlighted the resources and programs designed to help students explore career and educational opportunities within Lackawanna County. Throughout the day, students were introduced to incubator businesses and other resources offered by the Chamber, providing them with valuable exposure to the world of entrepreneurship and insights into the opportunities it can offer. Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Chamber, emphasized the importance of introducing young students to local workforce resources early on to foster a mindset of goal-setting and career exploration. The Chamber’s commitment to nurturing northeastern Pennsylvania’s future workforce includes initiatives that introduce students to career pathways and encourage proactive planning. Through programs like IGNITE and Skills in Scranton, the Chamber’s workforce development division, aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Skills in Scranton Set to Host the 2025 Workforce Summit Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2025 Workforce Summit. The event will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event goes beyond a typical career fair, offering a full day of networking, professional development, and career exploration for individuals eager to advance their career journey. Key event highlights include: 50 Employers: Attendees can meet leading employers, explore job opportunities, and find a career path that fits their goals. Professional Development Sessions: Throughout the day, participants can engage in workshops focused on resume building, interview techniques, and navigating various career paths. Keynote Presentation by Ryan Leckey: Renowned media personality and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media will present the keynote, “Building Your Personal Brand and Breaking Barriers: Trusting Your Instincts to Forge Your Own Path.” Leckey will inspire both students and business leaders with his personal journey, offering insights on standing out in the digital world, embracing authenticity, and achieving career success. Who Should Attend: High school students preparing for employment after graduation. College students exploring career opportunities and looking to connect with regional employers. Job seekers of all ages seeking to advance their careers. Business professionals interested in professional development and expanding their network. The 2025 Workforce Summit is designed for anyone looking to educate, develop, and network to take the next step in their career. Whether you are entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or looking to grow professionally, this event offers valuable resources and opportunities. For more information to secure an employer booth and event sponsorship for the 2025 Workforce Summit, visit ScrantonChamber.com.
Fourth Annual Workforce Summit and Carrer Fair Landed Success The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development affiliate, Skills in Scranton, hosted the SKILLS 2024: Workforce Summit & Career Fair. The event was held at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel and served as a platform for connecting high school students, job seekers, and regional employers, facilitating invaluable networking opportunities and fostering career development and pathways education. Lackawanna County was the main event sponsor. The SKILLS 2024 event hosted more than 100 high school seniors looking for employment upon graduation, career pathways exploration, and the opportunity to engage with industry professionals. Additionally, the Summit drew numerous job seekers from across the region, all seeking employment opportunities, with the 50 regional employers in attendance. Scranton School Board President Ty Holmes shared, “The Workforce Summit and Career Fair is a great resource for high school students. I heard one student say, “I didn’t know this…” and it was in reference to a student talking with an employer about their career options.” “We were pleased to have been able to add unique elements to this year’s Workforce Summit. Public employment resources, access to regional workforce data, and connections to students from area high schools added to the core components of the job fair, with over 50 local employers on hand,” shared Robert Durkin, president of The Chamber. Throughout the day, attendees had the chance to interact with representatives from a diverse array of industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and more. Employers showcased their organizations, shared information about available job opportunities, and engaged in meaningful conversations with prospective candidates. The SKILLS 2024: Workforce Summit & Career Fair not only provided attendees with a platform to connect and network but also featured informative sessions on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and professional development. Keynote speaker Teri Ooms, president and CEO of The Institute, paved the way for attendees and employers to learn about the status of the workforce. Identify pros and cons; Ooms shared the research The Institute has done to evaluate top-priority careers and the shortage of workers vs. employers. As the event concluded, both employers and attendees expressed enthusiasm about the connections made and the opportunities presented. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Skills in Scranton look forward to building on this success and continuing to support workforce development initiatives in the region.
