Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA -
Luzerne County Community College and the City of Wilkes-Barre officially launched a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development partnership during a Wednesday signing ceremony at Wilkes-Barre City Hall.
John Yudichak, president of LCCC, said 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.
Mayor George Brown said 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.
“I applaud Mayor George Brown for his steadfast commitment to improving city services through this innovative workforce development partnership,” Yudichak said. “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.”
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.
“We’re proud that Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney — an LCCC alumnus — is here with us today,” Yudichak said. “He exemplifies the spirit of our more than 37,000 alumni who live, work, and contribute across Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Chief Delaney said he is a proud alumnus of LCCC, having earned an associate degree in Applied Science in Fire Science Technology. He also served as a faculty member at the college, teaching in the paramedic program for nearly two decades.
Chief Delaney said he has seen first-hand the high quality of education LCCC delivers and the type of professionals it produces.
“Across Pennsylvania and the country, we are experiencing a critical shortage of paramedics,” Chief Delaney said. “When Mayor Brown brought up this partnership, I knew it would be a perfect fit to help address that shortage in Wilkes-Barre.”
Chief Delaney also highlighted the LCCC Public Safety Training Institute — calling it “a true hidden gem” for public safety education in our region.
“This partnership will help us build a pipeline of trained, skilled emergency personnel and allow us to better serve our community,” Chief Delaney said.
Mayor Brown said 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 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.”
Yudichak said the “innovative workforce development agreement” will help address critical staffing needs in city government — from police officers to firefighters, from DPW workers to administrative staff.
“City employees perform vital work that directly impacts the lives of Wilkes-Barre residents,” Yudichak said. “Investing in them is investing in the prosperity of the city.”
Yudichak said the Workforce Development Sponsorship Program is the first of its kind — a partnership designed to recruit, retain, and upskill the public service workforce in the region. He said the program includes a 50% tuition discount for all city employees, eliminating barriers to access and affordability for a college degree or workforce credential.
Mayor Brown thanked members of City Council who attended the announcement: Council Vice Chair Jessica McClay, Councilman Mike Belusko, Councilman Stan Mirin and Councilman Bill Barrett.
Mayor Brown said the city launched a CDL training initiative last year for some Department of Public Works employees, who are Teamsters.
“After receiving that training, they were able to move into higher-paying positions with new responsibilities,” Mayor Brown said. “That success showed us the value of investing in our workforce. Now, through this partnership with LCCC, we are expanding those opportunities to all city employees, creating a pathway for continued learning, career advancement, and improved city services.
“This is just the beginning of something great for our employees, our city, and our residents.”
Erin Herman, LCCC vice president of finance, said the initiative makes college more affordable and accessible to city employees.
“Beyond the numbers, this is about opening doors,” Herman said. “It’s about helping individuals grow their skills, advance in their careers, and better serve the people of Wilkes-Barre.
“We are excited for what lies ahead.”
