Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CU), and Hazleton Area School District (HASD) are launching an educational partnership in Fall 2025 to tackle Pennsylvania's critical teacher shortage, where over 5,500 vacancies exist amidst declining education degree enrollments and record teacher attrition. This initiative aligns with Act 33 of 2023, which funds $10,000 stipends for eligible student teachers under a $20 million Education Pipeline Grant, as well as Act 69 of 2024, which caps community college transfers at 60 credits for baccalaureate degrees and guarantees junior status at PASSHE universities.
The partnership creates a streamlined, cost-effective pathway for students to earn an associate and bachelor's degree in education entirely in Hazleton, utilizing LCCC's Center and student teaching opportunities at HASD. With local teaching experience eliminating travel barriers, graduates will be positioned for employment within HASD, addressing workforce needs while fostering community ties.
GO HERE. GRADUATE HERE. TEACH HERE.
LCCC - 570-740-0337 - admissions@luzerne.edu
LCCC's Hazleton Center - 570-740-0790 - hazletoncenter@luzerne.edu
Commonwealth U - 570-389-4316 - admissions@commonwealthu.edu
A Seamless Education Journey Without Leaving Hazleton
Key Benefits
$6,600
LCCC's Tuition
Per Year
$7,716
Commonwealth University's
Tuition Per Year
$28,632
Bachelor's in Education
Total Four-Year Tuition
Pennsylvania currently faces over 5,500 teacher vacancies while fewer students pursue education degrees and record numbers of teachers leave the profession.
State Support for Education Students
LCCC and Commonwealth University have partnered for decades with exceptional results:
For the first time in history, students can earn both associate and bachelor's degrees in education without ever leaving Hazleton - creating a direct pipeline from education to employment in our community.
The Best Pathway To A Debt-Free College Education
WNEP-TV 16 Thursday May 1st By: Valeria Quinones HAZLETON, Pa. Community leaders and educators joined forces Thursday morning at Luzerne County Community College's Hazleton Center to announce a new initiative aimed at combating the statewide teacher shortage.
WBRE-TV 28/WYOU-TV 22 Thursday May 1st By: Amelia Sack 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.
FOX 56 News at Ten Thursday May 1 By: Jake Sarwar HAZLETON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), Commonwealth University, and the Hazleton Area School District have announced a collaborative effort to address the ongoing teacher shortage crisis through the "Teach in NEPA" initiative.
Sam is joined by John Yudichak; President of Luzerne County Community College, Dr. Graceann Platukus; Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs and Dr. Russ Bigus; Vice President of Academic Affairs.
