Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has been awarded a $2,171,960 grant over five years from the U.S. Department of Labor to launch its new Pathways initiative.

The project focuses on expanding skilled trade programs, modernizing science and tech labs and boosting fundraising to support the college long-term.

Funding will be front-loaded in Year 1 to launch projects immediately, under the direction of a new Project Coordinator, stated an Oct. 15 press release from LCCC.

The initiative creates flexible workforce-to-degree tracks that allow noncredit students to earn industry credentials one course at a time before deciding to enter the job market or transition into full- or part-time degree programs.

Faculty stipends will support the development of the new Pathways with an emphasis on the electrical trades and biotechnology, complemented by hands-on work-based learning.

To ensure students navigate these opportunities smoothly, a dedicated Career Pathways Navigator will assist noncredit students with their matriculation into credit-bearing programs.

On-campus facilities will see significant physical upgrades, starting with $207,775 dedicated to converting a classroom into a fully-equipped Electrical Training Laboratory outfitted with new instructional technology, renovation work and training gear.

There will be $340,000 in supplemental funding toward the build-out of the college’s biotechnology wing to cover ongoing construction and specialized laboratory equipment.

To ensure long-term institutional growth beyond the initial grant period, LCCC is expanding its fundraising capacity through two key personnel additions.

A new Director of Development will focus on building relationships with individual and corporate donors.

A Grant Writer will actively pursue local, state, federal and private grants to fund future projects at LCCC.