HARRISBURG –Thanks to a generous donation from Coterra Energy, in conjunction with the company’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), labs and instructional spaces in several of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s (PCT) programs will soon be renovated and expanded, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), chairman of the PCT Board of Directors.
The $1.4 million NAP funding will pay for the renovation and expansion of labs and instructional spaces in the college’s electrical and architecture & sustainable design programs, both of which are beyond capacity and applicants have been waitlisted since last spring. The donation will also generate Camp Freedom scholarships for student veterans and first responders.
“Penn College is setting the standard for quality education and technical training around the world,” Sen. Yaw said. “This impactful investment will provide much needed funding to student-focused initiatives and significantly benefit area veterans and first responders.”
“We are most grateful to Coterra Energy for partnering with us on this significant Neighborhood Assistance Program initiative, which will allow us to enhance labs and instructional spaces — and the overall student learning experience — in two popular academic programs, while expanding enrollment capacities for each,” Michael J. Reed, Penn College President said. “Additionally, we are able to provide valuable scholarship assistance to veterans and first responders – two very deserving student populations.”
Penn College’s electrical program enrolls 225 students, the college’s fifth-largest program cluster. Approximately 82% of students enrolled in the electrical program are hired prior to graduation, and graduates have a 100% placement rate. The architecture & sustainable design program currently enrolls 102 students. The renovation will expand capacity by 39 students, double the size of studio spaces, separate instructional space from studio space, create a second jury space and create two additional computer labs.
The scholarship component of the NAP funding benefits veterans and first responders (and their families) from Camp Freedom in Lackawanna County, a nonprofit organization and outdoor adventure healing camp. The camp also promotes the social well-being of participants through peer-to-peer interaction.
“Coterra is steadfast in our commitment to workforce development and educational excellence,” George Stark, Coterra Director of External Affairs, said. “We strive to partner with institutions that are making a positive difference in the lives of their students and communities. Pennsylvania College of Technology is a phenomenal organization that truly reflects this vision. Their mission of preparing students for meaningful careers is second to none. We are proud of our investment in their bright future.”
Administered through the state Department of Community & Economic Development, NAP provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.
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Elizabeth Weitzel
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