Lackawanna College

1.       Tell us a brief history/background of your organization?

Lackawanna College’s main campus is nestled in the heart of downtown Scranton and remains one of the longest-running educational institutions in the region. For more than 125 years, the College has been empowering students to become the next generation of leaders. The College was formed in 1894, as the Lackawanna Business College under the leadership of John H. Seeley, with some of its earliest students being the breaker boys of the area’s anthracite coal mines, women professionals and returning veterans after World War II.

Lackawanna Junior College was chartered in 1957 as a nonprofit institution, and in 1994, the school purchased and renovated the former Scranton Central High School, which is now Angeli Hall. The College dropped “junior” from its name in 2001, becoming “Lackawanna College”.

Lackawanna College is a private, accredited college serving the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our main campus is located in downtown Scranton, and our footprint includes the Lake Region Center in Hawley, the Hazleton Center, The Environmental Education Center in Covington Township, The School of Petroleum and Natural Gas in New Milford, the Sunbury Center and the Towanda Center.

The College offers over 30 majors and programs, including bachelor’s and associate degree programs, certificates and online programs. Additionally, our Continuing Education department helps put the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania back to work with modern career skills.

2.       Tell us something interesting about your college.

Lackawanna College has a deep commitment to providing students with a valuable education that will aid in the growth of the local and regional economy. Through supporting entrepreneurship and hands-on skills among students and graduates, Lackawanna College encourages students to become future leaders that will be able to solve problems locally, nationally and internationally. 

Lackawanna College’s curriculum focuses on the skills and knowledge that students need to enter the workforce or start their own businesses. Students are taught and encouraged by faculty who have practical, real-world experience within their field. Many of Lackawanna College’s instructors, both full-time and adjunct, bring a wealth of practical expertise to the classroom. Students get a unique hands-on learning experience that goes far beyond textbook learning.

Through both Lackawanna College’s partnerships with local businesses and the relationships that instructors have within their industry, students gain access to valuable networking connections that helps secure job placement in their field.

3. How is your organization a leader in your industry?

Lackawanna College has 7 locations throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and virtual options so that students can study close to home. A Lackawanna College education is affordable, accessible and valuable. Programs combine a rigorous curriculum with real-world experience to cultivate caring and ethical leaders, thinkers, creators, skilled workers and entrepreneurs right here in our local community.

The College prides itself on its focused class sizes, which allows for personalized attention from faculty members and employs an innovative, hands-on approach to education. Progressive curriculum, groundbreaking programs, and cutting-edge learning studios give students a head-start in their industry. With unparalleled student support services and an active student life community, students develop lasting relationships within the campus and among faculty and staff who are committed to seeing them succeed, both in and outside the classroom.

The College also has the area’s first esports team, a student-run restaurant and is always looking to adapt to the needs of employers in our region.

4.       How is your organization a leader in the community?

Lackawanna College works with the community to provide students from all socio-economic backgrounds a chance to achieve a post-secondary education. As a college, we aim to alleviate the economic hardships faced by students and their families.

Throughout the years, Lackawanna College has evolved to keep pace with changing times. The College has taken risks and pioneered programs and initiatives that align with the needs of students, socioeconomic circumstances and current job markets.  As one of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania’s most affordable colleges, Lackawanna College is continuously finding ways to help students and families save money while earning a degree.

Lackawanna College partners with local school districts for the Level Up and Students Occupationally and Academically Ready (SOAR) programs. These initiatives help students earn college credits while in high school, reduce or eliminate barriers that a student might experience in earning a degree and link students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to early educational opportunities. To further offset college costs, Lackawanna College also offers enhanced scholarship opportunities like the Dual Enrollment Scholarship and the Honors Program Scholarship.

These programs and scholarships are created to mitigate cost and close the opportunity gap between high-income and low-income families throughout the region. The College pioneers initiatives and programs dedicated to equipping local students with the tools and support they need to complete their education.