Luzerne County Community College Hosts Successful Commonwealth & County Legislative Breakfast

Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) welcomed more than 80 attendees to its annual Commonwealth & County Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Educational Conference Center on the Nanticoke campus. This year's theme, "Innovation through Regional Partnerships," showcased LCCC's leadership in developing community-centered solutions to regional challenges.*

LCCC Board of Trustees Chair, Atty. Catherine O'Donnell, served as master of ceremonies. President John Yudichak opened the event with remarks that emphasized the significance of collaboration between education and government in strengthening Luzerne County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"This breakfast is more than just a gathering; it's a celebration of the partnerships we are forging to address vital challenges in our community," said President Yudichak. "With more than $13 million in annual support from the Commonwealth and $5.8 million from Luzerne County, we're transforming those investments into high-impact programs that serve our students and our region."

The program highlighted three major initiatives designed to drive educational innovation, workforce development, and community recovery:

1. Teach in NEPA Program

Launched at the LCCC Hazleton Center earlier this month, the Teach in NEPA Program is a partnership between LCCC, Commonwealth University, and the Hazleton Area School District. The initiative offers a four-year pathway to a teaching degree for under $30,000?making it one of the most affordable teacher training programs in Pennsylvania. The Wilkes-Barre Area School District has also expressed interest in joining the initiative, with plans to expand to LCCC's Wilkes-Barre Center underway.

"We are thrilled to launch this new higher education model: Go here, graduate here, work here," said President Yudichak. "This is about building a pipeline of educators who live in and are committed to our communities."

2. AllOne Recovery Educational Institute (AREI)

Funded by the AllOne Foundation and recently awarded a $250,000 grant through the Luzerne County Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Committee, the AREI supports students in recovery from substance use disorder with academic advising, peer mentoring, and workforce training. With a 90% retention rate and an average GPA of 3.25, the program has become a model for collegiate recovery across the region.

"Our students in recovery deserve every opportunity to rebuild their lives through education," said Dr. Graceann Platukus, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success. "This new funding allows us to expand services and help even more individuals succeed."

3. Microcredential Academy

In partnership with employers like Medico Construction Equipment, LCCC's Microcredential Academy delivers short-term, stackable certifications in high-demand fields such as IT, business, and skilled trades. These flexible, skills-focused courses provide a rapid pathway into the workforce or serve as a stepping stone to a degree.

"Microcredentials offer a direct response to employer needs," said President Yudichak. "This is how we meet students where they are and prepare them for real opportunities."

In his closing remarks, Yudichak reiterated LCCC's commitment to accessibility and affordability:

"At $150 per credit, we are the most affordable college in the region. With open admissions, anyone who wants to attend college can start their journey right here at LCCC. Community is at the heart of what we do."

The annual Commonwealth & County Legislative Breakfast serves as a platform to connect education leaders, elected officials, business stakeholders, and community advocates to strengthen partnerships that support economic development and student success throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.