LCCC and City of Wilkes-Barre Launch Innovative Workforce Development Partnership to Build a Stronger Workforce

Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) and the City of Wilkes-Barre officially launched a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development partnership Wednesday August 6th during a signing ceremony held at Wilkes-Barre City Hall.*

The new initiative significantly reduces the cost of higher education for city employees by offering a 50% tuition discount through a joint effort: the City of Wilkes-Barre will fund 25% of tuition, while LCCC will apply an additional 25% tuition discount. City employees will be responsible for only half the tuition cost as they pursue degrees or credentials that enhance their careers and public service roles.

Among the first to benefit will be the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department, whose members plan to enroll in continuing education and fire safety training programs through LCCC. Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney, an LCCC alumnus, spoke at the event, noting that the partnership will help his department grow stronger, more skilled, and better prepared to serve the public.

"I applaud Mayor George Brown for his steadfast commitment to improving city services through this innovative workforce development partnership," said John Yudichak, President of Luzerne County Community College. "This collaboration creates new opportunities for Wilkes-Barre's public servants to gain a college degree or credential?at half the cost?and reinforces our shared goal of strengthening the region's workforce through education."

The partnership supports employee recruitment, retention, and upskilling across all city departments?from public safety to administration. The agreement reflects a shared vision of investing in human capital to better serve the community.

"This strategic partnership with Luzerne County Community College gives Wilkes-Barre employees a powerful tool to gain new knowledge, skills, and credentials," said Mayor George C. Brown. "It's an investment in the people who keep our city running every day. I thank President Yudichak and his team for making this opportunity possible, and I look forward to the positive results this innovative collaboration will bring to our city."

The LCCC?Wilkes-Barre Workforce Development Partnership marks a model for municipal engagement in higher education and workforce innovation, setting a new standard for how cities and colleges can work together to create stronger communities.