Celebrating Our Centers Series: Wilkes-Barre Center

As Luzerne County Community College continues its Celebrating Our Centers series throughout December, the College is highlighting a major milestone at its Wilkes-Barre Center: record-setting fall enrollment that surpassed 500 students for the first time in the Center's history.*

This fall, 524 students enrolled in in-person classes at the downtown Wilkes-Barre location - a historic high for the Center and a reflection of strong, sustained growth in the city. The Center saw a 17% increase in headcount and a 21% increase in credits compared to last fall, said Adam Blannard, director of the LCCC Wilkes-Barre Center.

"Knowing the Wilkes-Barre Center has been here since 1999 and this is the first time we've crossed the 500-student mark is incredibly meaningful, Blannard said. "It shows that the hard work of our faculty and staff is translating into students not only returning, but also encouraging new students to join us."

A Downtown Hub for Access and Opportunity

Located at 2 Public Square, the Wilkes-Barre Center has become an anchor for higher education and workforce training in the heart of the city. In partnership with the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, the Center serves a wide range of students --from recent high school graduates to adult learners balancing work and family responsibilities.

The Center features:

Three networked computer labs

Smart classrooms with advanced presentation technology

Seminar rooms and traditional classrooms

Video-conferencing and roll-about teaching units

Flexible 13-week class schedules

A mix of in-person and online course options

Degree pathways include Criminal Justice, Human Services, Legal Assisting (Paralegal), Social Work, and General Studies, along with dual enrollment opportunities for high school students and visiting students from four-year institutions.

The Center is also home to the long-running Adult Learners' Training and Assistance (ALTA) Program, which offers free GED preparation, English as a Second Language courses, Family Literacy programs, and Digital Literacy instruction.

A Culture Students Want to Be Part Of

Blannard said the fall numbers reflect more than just enrollment trends - they reflect a campus culture that students are choosing, recommending, and returning to.

"I think it's the culture we've built here," he said. "When students walk through the doors, they're welcomed by name. They feel supported, they feel seen, and they know we're here to help them succeed. That experience travels by word of mouth, and it brings new students through the door."

He added that the Center's downtown location plays a key role.

"A lot of our students live or work right here in the city. They want an affordable, high-quality education close to home - and they want to give back to the same community they're part of."

Student Stories: Support That Makes a Difference

Students say the Wilkes-Barre Center gives them real opportunities and a sense of belonging.

Kailash Velazques, a Wilkes-Barre resident and parent of a young child, says LCCC gave her a path forward.

"I didn't want to stop where I was - I wanted to work for my future," she said. "My cousin took classes here and told me about the opportunities, the financial help, and the support system. They've covered almost everything for me. I'm doing my associate degree now because I want to go to law school and eventually become a judge here in Wilkes-Barre."

Asia Rose, of Old Forge, said the level of support exceeded her expectations.

"I've definitely been able to ask for help - and it's not intimidating," she said. "There are so many resources, and the people genuinely care. I don't feel like just a number. My professors know my name."

Growing With the Community

Blannard said the Center's diversity is one of its greatest strengths.

"We have traditional students, adult learners, parents, people working multiple jobs - and we build schedules that work for all of them," he said. "We don't treat students as just another face. We look at their individual situation and help them create a path to finish on time."

With its highest enrollment ever, the Wilkes-Barre Center continues to grow as a vibrant destination for education, workforce development, and community impact.

Follow the Celebration

Throughout December, LCCC is spotlighting each of its seven Centers across Northeastern Pennsylvania as part of the Celebrating Our Centers series.

Luzerne County Community College - Go Here. Graduate Here. Work Here.

We're in your community. We're here for you.

Follow LCCC on social media all month to explore more Center stories, student profiles, and community highlights.