Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) proudly announced today the official launch of the LCCC Career & Technology Academy, an unprecedented educational partnership between the college and the region's three Career and Technical Centers (CTCs): Hazleton Area Career Center, Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center, and West Side Career & Technical Center.
Made possible through a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and $150,000 in private scholarship support, the Academy allows high school students to earn college credits--free of charge--while completing their CTC programs. The initiative aims to transform workforce development in northeastern Pennsylvania by creating accessible, affordable, and high-impact educational pathways for students pursuing skilled trades.
"Today, we dispel the myth that students gifted in skilled trades don't have a path to college," said LCCC President John Yudichak. "With the Career & Technology Academy, we are empowering over 2,000 CTC students across Luzerne County to earn post-secondary credentials while still in high school. It's a bold, necessary innovation that will transform our regional economy and individual lives."
The Academy's first class includes 27 students who attended LCCC this spring at no cost, thanks to the generous $100,000 William Rinaldi Career & Technology Academy Scholarship and the $50,000 Joseph Yudichak Career Pathway Scholarship provided through the Luzerne Foundation.
Local entrepreneur William Rinaldi, a key donor and visionary partner, was honored for his contributions. "Bill recognized the value of LCCC as a workforce development epicenter," said President Yudichak. "His generosity ensures that our students have every opportunity to succeed."
A Regional Partnership with Statewide Implications
Dr. Thomas Duffy, Chief Administrator of West Side CTC, praised the collaborative model:
"This is a first-of-its-kind partnership. By centralizing resources and leveraging the strengths of all three CTCs with LCCC, we?re creating unprecedented opportunities for our students."
Dr. Anthony Guariglia, Administrative Director at Wilkes-Barre Area CTC, highlighted the real-world confidence this model provides:
"Students get to transition to college-level courses with their peers and build on skills they've already mastered. It gives them the confidence to succeed in college and beyond."
Dr. Brian Uplinger, Hazleton Area Superintendent, pointed out how the program relieves capacity issues at overcrowded CTCs:
"We have limited seats. This program opens up opportunities for more students to participate in CTC training by moving some students to LCCC."
LCCC Vice President of Enrollment Management, Dr. Graceann Platukus, underscored the rising demand:
"Parents and students are looking for affordable, fast-tracked routes into trades. This program answers that call."
LCCC's Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr. Russ Bigus, emphasized the broader impact:
"This program gives high schoolers the chance to gain experience, confidence, and even meet future employers while still in high school."
Jocelyn Sterenchock, CAN DO's Director of Economic Development, added:
"To be 18 years old and graduate with a diploma in one hand and a job offer in the other is exactly what we should be striving for."
State Support for a New Model of Workforce Education
The $1 million state grant will fund tuition, upgrade LCCC's Advanced Technology Center, and expand lab space for high-demand programs like welding, HVAC, and electrical technology.
"Pennsylvania needs more skilled workers with college credentials," said President Yudichak. "Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiro, the Department of Education, and our legislators, we're ready to deliver."
The Governor's Office was represented at the event by Drew Popish, Northeast Director, in attendance to show support.
A New Era of Community-Focused Education
President Yudichak closed by thanking the LCCC Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff for their dedication, especially key academic leaders including Dr. Bigus, Dr. Platukus, and faculty members Brandon Babish, Ed Kuehner, Mark Kobusky, and Jasson Sherrill.
"At LCCC, community is in our name, in our mission, and in our heart. The Career & Technology Academy is a model of what higher education and workforce development should be--accessible, innovative, and focused on student success."