Latest news with #LCCC
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Co Down community hub gains deputy First Minister support amid village traffic concerns
A new Co Down community hub has been approved and received support from the deputy First Minister. The application by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) was unanimously approved by its planning committee this week following an approval for a SuperValu development. The Moira centre will be located at the Demesne Grove between a playpark and sports pitches, though some traffic concerns have been raised. READ MORE: Lisburn and Castlereagh only gets 20 responses to climate change consultation. READ MORE: RAF Air Cadets to get drone training at Northern Ireland public park. Lagan Valley MLA Emma Little-Pengelly posted on Facebook: "Great to see the community hub proposals moving forward with the planning committee unanimously agreeing the plans on Monday (June 2). A huge amount of hard work by the community group and volunteers to get it to this stage." A council officer said: "The community hub will be occupied by a charity. The site is accessed via the main entrance to Moira Demesne off Main Street, Moira. "The parking requirements are met from the use of existing car parks within the Demesne." Killultagh DUP Alderman, James Tinsley said: "This is a great addition to what is already at the playpark for the community and local school children, it is a fantastic application." An earlier application at the committee was also approved for a major upgrade of a retail park on Main Street. Concerns had been raised over long traffic jams of up to 2miles into Moira with extra car journeys of 50% at peak times due to the new SuperValu development. Lisburn North SDLP rep, Pat Catney was the only planning member not to support the application. The chamber was told that an overall increase or 'cumulative' traffic assessment in Moira had not been carried out as the additional traffic was viewed in the report as 'modest with a small impact'. This led to Cllr Catney, cautiously agreeing to the Moira hub, saying: "I just hope people can get through the village traffic to get to the hub." For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Luzerne County Community College launches Career and Technology Academy
Jun. 4—NANTICOKE — Luzerne County Community College's new Career and Technology Academy dispels the myth that students gifted in skilled trades don't have a path to college, LCCC President John Yudichak said Wednesday. LCCC officially launched the LCCC Career & Technology Academy — an unprecedented educational partnership between the college and the region's three Career and Technical Centers (CTCs) — Hazleton Area Career Center, Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center and West Side Career & Technical Center. Yudichak said the new academy was made possible through a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and $150,000 in private scholarship support. "The Academy allows high school students to earn college credits — free of charge — while completing their CTC programs," Yudichak said. "The initiative aims to transform workforce development in Northeastern Pennsylvania by creating accessible, affordable and high-impact educational pathways for students pursuing skilled trades." Yudichak said the Career & Technology Academy will empower more than 2,000 CTC students across Luzerne County to earn post-secondary credentials while still in high school. "It's a bold, necessary innovation that will transform our regional economy and individual lives," Yudichak said. The Academy's first class includes 27 students who attended LCCC this spring at no cost, thanks to the generous $100,000 William Rinaldi Career & Technology Academy Scholarship and the $50,000 Joseph Yudichak Career Pathway Scholarship provided through the Luzerne Foundation. Local entrepreneur William Rinaldi, who Yudichak called "a key donor and visionary partner," was honored for his contributions. "Bill recognized the value of LCCC as a workforce development epicenter," Yudichak said. "His generosity ensures that our students have every opportunity to succeed." Rinaldi said, "The best way to help someone is to assist them in finding the right path to success. And I am always willing to help them." A regional partnership with statewide implications Dr. Thomas Duffy, chief administrator of West Side CTC, praised the collaborative model. "This is a first-of-its-kind partnership," Duffy said. "By centralizing resources and leveraging the strengths of all three CTCs with LCCC, we're creating unprecedented opportunities for our students." Dr. Anthony Guariglia, administrative director at Wilkes-Barre Area CTC, highlighted the real-world confidence this model provides. "Students get to transition to college-level courses with their peers and build on skills they've already mastered," Guariglia said. "It gives them the confidence to succeed in college and beyond." Dr. Brian Uplinger, Hazleton Area superintendent, pointed out how the program relieves capacity issues at overcrowded CTCs. "We have limited seats," Uplinger said. "This program opens up opportunities for more students to participate in CTC training by moving some students to LCCC." Dr. Graceann Platukus, LCCC vice president of enrollment management, underscored the rising demand. "Parents and students are looking for affordable, fast-tracked routes into trades," Platukus said. "This program answers that call." LCCC's academic affairs vice president, Dr. Russ Bigus, emphasized the broader impact. "This program gives high schoolers the chance to gain experience, confidence, and even meet future employers while still in high school," Bigus said. Jocelyn Sterenchock, CAN DO's Director of Economic Development, added, "To be 18 years old and graduate with a diploma in one hand and a job offer in the other is exactly what we should be striving for." State support for a new model of workforce education The $1 million state grant will fund tuition, upgrade LCCC's Advanced Technology Center, and expand lab space for high-demand programs like welding, HVAC, and electrical technology. "Pennsylvania needs more skilled workers with college credentials," Yudichak said. "Thanks to Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Department of Education, and our legislators, we're ready to deliver. "At LCCC, community is in our name, in our mission, and in our heart. The Career & Technology Academy is a model of what higher education and workforce development should be — accessible, innovative and focused on student success." In his welcoming address on Wednesday, Yudichak said LCCC's Career & Technology Academy will deliver a first-of-its-kind opportunity for students in the region's career and technical high schools to earn a post-secondary credential or college degree while they are still in high school. "Empowering local CTC students to earn a post-secondary credential or a college degree will change the financial trajectory of individual lives, and it will transform our regional economy by meeting the growing workforce demands for skilled workers in the high-demand career fields of technology, energy and the construction trades," Yudichak said. "The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified a workforce credential gap of more than 12,500 workers in the skilled trades and called on institutions of higher education to partner with CTC high schools to develop a 21st-century skilled, educated workforce." John Naldony, training director for IBEW Local 163, and Bill Feist, president of J&E Sheetmetal, spoke in support of the new program "With the insight of business leaders like Bill Feist and leaders in organized labor, like John Naldony, it is clear to me that the creation of LCCC Career & Technology is a necessary and essential innovation in higher education. Pennsylvania needs more skilled trade workers," Yudichak said. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Lower gas prices bringing record Memorial Day weekend travel
(WBRE/WYOU)— Memorial Day weekend is here, and its looking to be one of the busiest travel weekends on record. 28/22's Kathryn O'Leary has more with how people here in NEPA are getting to their holiday destinations. While more people are hitting the road and taking to the skies this year, one thing that's making it a little easier for travelers? Lower gas prices. According to AAA, more than 45 million Americans are expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend with a record 39 million hitting the road. Celebrating 50 years of LCCC nursing amid shortage Here in Pennsylvania, the average price for gas is $3.31 a gallon down from $3.77 last year. 'This is my first year having a truck, so it's a much bigger tank. I'm glad I don't have to, you know, pay as much as I might have in the last couple of years,' said Cole Hoffen, Gettysburg. Travelers say those lower prices are a welcome surprise. 'In oil city, they are like 3.59, 3.60, here they are 3.19, so it's kind of nice,' said Dan Robertson, Oil City. 'I usually don't pay attention to the gas prices as much but the cheaper the better, especially when you got three young kids and you're traveling all over the place,' stated Drew Stem, Pittston. While most travelers are driving, airports are also busy. AAA estimates over 3.6 million people will fly this weekend Despite weather issues in other parts of the east coast, flyers in NEPA are optimistic. 'Everything looks like it's going to be on time for us, and then we are going to a much hotter part of the country so very excited about that,' expressed Roxanne Hernandez, Long Island. 'Visiting some family and going to high school graduation, I'm fine. I just go with the flow, you know, whatever happens, happens,' added Chris Koytek, Moosic. And with record-breaking travel numbers this year, AAA says it's important to plan ahead and expect delays. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Truly exceptional': LCCC celebrates largest graduating class in college's history
CHEYENNE — Laramie County Community College staff, administrators and students celebrated the largest graduating class in the college's 57-year history with 976 degrees and certificates awarded over the course of three different commencement ceremonies Saturday. 'That is truly exceptional,' said LCCC President Joe Schaffer. The schools of Arts and Sciences; Business, Agriculture and Technical Studies; and Health Sciences and Wellness each held a separate ceremony at the Blue Federal Credit Union Recreation and Athletics Complex on the Cheyenne campus. Parents, grandparents, daughters, sons, siblings and friends filled the bleachers on either side of the gymnasium. Many brought flowers for their grad, and a few others made giant poster boards with colorful lettering. Loved ones cheered from the side as each grad waltzed across the stage to accept their degree. To begin each ceremony, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Kari Brown-Herbst held a moment of silence to contemplate the accomplishments celebrated that day. After the moment of silence was a list of introductions and the national anthem. Faculty member Dave Zwonitzer was the base bearer for the graduation ceremonies, where he was also recognized as the longest-serving faculty member at LCCC. Brown-Herbst noted that this year marks Zwonitzer's 47th year teaching at the community college. Dreamers build After the introductions and a rendition of the National Anthem, sung by Dani Beightol and Taylor McCollum, Schaffer gave a welcome speech to the 2025 graduating class. 'We're here to recognize all that you've done here at LCCC,' Schaffer said. 'Upon your graduation, you will join thousands of LCCC alumni who share your accomplishments. And while you are similar in that fashion, you are unique in a very special way.' The power of dreams was the foundation of Schaffer's oration. He asked each of the sitting grads to picture a rancher on the high plains in Wyoming whose work established a multi-generational homestead. Or a woman from Mexico who immigrated to America for a chance at a better life. Or a man who escaped from Nazi Germany and devoted his life to teaching. Or a young Nigerian woman, who grew up in a place where access to health care and electricity is limited, but studied by candlelight to earn her medical degree. Or Thomas Jefferson, one of America's Founding Fathers, who wrote in the Declaration of Independence 'that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.' 'That dream launched a nation in perfect hope. It was, and still is, striving toward that idea,' Schaffer said. 'Five very different people — a rancher, an immigrant, a refugee of war, an international student, a Founding Father — all tied together by a belief that tomorrow could be better than today.' Hope for change is good, but not enough by itself, Schaffer said. Dreams are visions that demand 'clarity, direction and the courage to act.' 'Dream of stronger communities, of meaningful work, of lives with purpose,' Schaffer said. 'Dream not just of what you can take from the world, but what you can give back. And then act.' Persevere Student Government Association President Caius Krupp delivered the commencement address during the 9 a.m. graduation ceremony. Krupp reminded his peers that challenges are inevitable, but a little perseverance goes a long way. He began his college journey at a four-year institution, but quickly saw that he'd underestimated the level of homesickness and difficulty of classes he would face. When Krupp learned his father was sick, he returned home after the end of the semester. 'I started taking classes here as a promise to my mother that I would be the first one in our family to graduate,' Krupp said. But when he lost his father that semester, Krupp thought he lost any chances of graduating. An instructor pulled him aside after Krupp missed a month's worth of classes to ask what the problem was. 'It made me double down and realize what an opportunity this college is,' Krupp said. 'I tell you this story not to make you pity me, but to show you what Laramie County Community College has let me do, and hopefully has let many of you do.' He asked the graduates to remember their own challenges and how they've overcome them. Many of the college grads were in school during the pandemic. High schoolers missed out on proms and a traditional graduation, classes were online and some lost loved ones. This generation of students had to relearn how to navigate society and what it means to socialize when the world finally emerged from lockdown. 'For some of us, this is just the start of a broader education. ... For others, this is the start of a new career,' Krupp said. 'I want you all to remember … your ability to persevere through the challenges you face and the support of all those wonderful people along the way.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Teach in NEPA program plans to keep teachers local
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A new educational partnership program in Luzerne County hopes to fight the teacher shortage here in Pennsylvania. According to state data there are currently around 5,500 teacher vacancies. Those vacancies are why the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), and the Hazleton Area School District are teaming up to create the Teach in NEPA Project. Fire department prepares for rescue training at coal mine The Teach in NEPA Project aims to follow the Shapiro administration and the general assembly's goal of addressing the statewide teacher shortage. It starts and ends right here in Hazleton. 'You will not have to leave this community to go to school. You will not have to leave this community to earn your degree, and in most respects you're not gonna have to leave this community to find a job as a teacher,' stated John Yudichak, President, LCCC. Through the program, students can obtain their associate's degree with LCCC and get their bachelors with commonwealth university all at LCCC's Hazleton campus. 'All four years are here in this building. The services will be brought to them. The teachers and the professors will be brought to the,' explained Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth University President. While students are completing their degrees, they will train at Hazleton area, and when they graduate, they will have employment opportunities within the district. Hazleton Area Superintendent Brian Uplinger says this is crucial as the number of students within the district continues to grow and the number of teachers declines. 'We have 80 emergency-certified folk in the district, and we have a number of teachers that are going to retire this year,' said Superintendent Uplinger. Through a grow your own model, the Teach in NEPA Project aims to recruit and retain local students to ease the shortage and create a new generation of teachers here at home. 'The Teach in NEPA Project really is about go here, graduate here, and teach here. So this historic partnership really makes a pathway to the most affordable, accessible four year degree anywhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and I would say anywhere in the country,' added Yudichak. Students can begin the program in the fall, and it will allow them to obtain their degrees for under $30,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
