LCCC legislative breakfast highlights programs driving education and community growth

FOX 56 News at TEN

Wednesday May 21, 2025

By Elizabeth Haikes

LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) Lawmakers, educators, and business leaders filled the Educational Conference Center at Luzerne County Community College Wednesday morning for the school's annual Commonwealth & County Legislative Breakfast.*

With this year's theme, "Innovation through Regional Partnerships," the college spotlighted new and expanding programs aimed at workforce development, education access, and recovery support.

Among those programs is Teach in NEPA, a pathway to a four-year teaching degree for under $30,000 that's offered without students ever having to leave the Hazleton area.

"We're stepping up and saying, ?Yes, we will come to Hazleton. We'll produce a four-year degree for less than $30,000, and the student doesn't have to leave Hazleton.' It's really a concept of go here, graduate here, teach here," said LCCC President John Yudichak.

The college also highlighted the AllOne Recovery Educational Institute, which supports students in recovery from substance use disorder. With a 90% retention rate and an average GPA of 3.25, higher than the college's student body overall, the program is becoming a statewide model.

"The more students are involved with our programs and supports that are designed just for them, the more engaged they are," said Dr. GraceAnn Platukus, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success. "We want them to feel like this is their place."

The third initiative, LCCC's Microcredential Academy, offers short-term, stackable certifications in industries like IT, business, and skilled trades?built in partnership with local employers like Medico Construction Equipment.

"Community is at the heart of what we do. Whether that's responding to a teacher shortage or to an industry need, like we heard here today, we're creating solutions together," said Yudichak.

With more than 80 attendees, LCCC echoed their message, when education and government work hand-in-hand, the community benefits.