Nanticoke, Luzerne County, PA -
Leaders from education, workforce development, and industry gathered Monday at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) in Milton to celebrate a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant awarded to Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The announcement, emceed by Tom Fletcher of LCCC, highlighted a regional partnership that will expand access to college-level coursework for rural and underserved high school students throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania during the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years.
The grant will allow participating students to earn college credits while still enrolled in high school at no cost to themselves or their families. Funding will provide free tuition, textbooks, course materials, transportation assistance, and professional development for instructors teaching dual credit courses.
The initiative brings together 14 school districts and career and technology centers and focuses on increasing educational opportunities for rural students, low-income students, career and technical education (CTE) students, and other historically underserved populations.
“Thanks to the vision and support of Gov. Josh Shapiro and legislative leaders like Senate Education Chair, Sen. Lynda Culver, the $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will empower LCCC to expand its educational partnerships in the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit’s service area,” said John Yudichak, president of Luzerne County Community College. “This is made possible by bringing zero-cost early college programming directly to underserved rural communities who have limited access to affordable post-secondary opportunities.”
A key component of the grant is the development and expansion of workforce-focused coursework in Electrical Construction Technology and related high-demand industries.
Students participating in the program will have the opportunity to complete a 17-credit Electrical Construction Technology diploma sequence that includes coursework in electrical fundamentals, construction wiring, advanced electrical construction, blueprint reading and estimating, and applied mathematics for industry.
The stackable credential pathway allows students to enter the workforce immediately upon completion or continue their education toward a certificate or associate degree. LCCC is also exploring the addition of fiber optics and data communications coursework to align training with the growing demand for broadband, telecommunications, and data infrastructure workers.
“The Dual Credit Innovation Grant allows us to provide meaningful college experiences to students who may not have otherwise considered higher education an option,” said Maria DeLucca, dean of early college and educational partnerships at Luzerne County Community College. “Students will gain valuable college credits, industry-relevant skills, and a clear pathway to continued education and career success. By partnering with school districts and career and technology centers, we are bringing opportunity directly into our communities.”
The project was developed in collaboration with educational partners throughout the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit service region and LCCC’s Watsontown, Berwick, and Shamokin centers.
The initiative also strengthens connections between education and industry by engaging employers who can help students understand career opportunities available in their local communities.
Industry leaders participating in the announcement emphasized the growing demand for skilled electrical and construction professionals.
“The construction industry is facing a critical need for skilled workers, particularly in the electrical trades,” said David Zartman, president of Zartman Construction Inc.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce,” said Jim Kofskie, CEO of Mariano Construction.
Career and technical education leaders also highlighted the impact the grant will have on students throughout the region.
Research consistently shows that students who participate in dual credit programs are more likely to enroll in college, persist in their studies, and complete degrees or credentials.
By expanding access to these opportunities, the Dual Credit Innovation Grant will help more students achieve educational and career success while strengthening the workforce needs of Pennsylvania employers.
Educational partners
Milton Area School District, Shamokin Area School District, Bloomsburg Area School District, Warrior Run School District, Benton Area School District, Berwick Area School District, Central Columbia School District, Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School, Lycoming Career and Technology Center, Mount Carmel Area School District, Northumberland County Career and Technology Center, Northwest Area School District, Sun Area Technical Institute, Wallenpaupack Area School District.
