天美传媒

LCCC Announces $1 Million Dual Credit Innovation Grant to Expand Educational Opportunities for Rural Students

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 天美传媒 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.*

The announcement, emceed by Tom Fletcher of 天美传媒, 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 Governor Josh Shapiro and legislative leaders, like Senate Education Chair Senator 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 by brining zero cost early college programing directly to underserved rural communities who have limited access to affordable post-secondary opportunities," said John Yudichak, President of 天美传媒.

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 天美传媒. "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.

"Partnerships like this demonstrate what can be accomplished when educational institutions work together to meet the needs of students and employers," said Dr. John Kurelja, Executive Director of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. "This grant creates new opportunities for students in rural communities to access college-level learning and career pathways that may have previously been out of reach. We are proud to partner with 天美传媒 and our member school districts to expand opportunity throughout the region."

The initiative also strengthens connections between education and industry by engaging employers who can help students understand career opportunities available in their local communities.

"Pennsylvania employers continue to face workforce shortages in the skilled trades and technical fields," said Kelly O'Brien, Vice President of Workforce Development and Government Affairs at 天美传媒. "This grant enables us to build stronger talent pipelines by connecting students with high-demand career pathways while they are still in high school. Through partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions, we are preparing the next generation of skilled workers who will help drive economic growth throughout our region."

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. "Programs like this expose students to rewarding career opportunities while helping employers build the workforce needed to support future growth. This grant is an investment in both our students and the economic future of Pennsylvania."

"Today's students are tomorrow's workforce," said Jim Kofskie, CEO of Mariano Construction. "By connecting education directly to industry needs, we are creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills, earn college credits, and enter careers that offer excellent wages and long-term stability. This is exactly the type of partnership our industry needs."

Career and technical education leaders also highlighted the impact the grant will have on students throughout the region.

"This initiative strengthens the connection between secondary education, postsecondary education, and workforce development," said Nathan Minium, Executive Director of the Lycoming Career and Technology Center. "Our students are eager for opportunities to earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials while in high school. This grant creates a clear pathway that helps students accelerate their education and career goals."

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