Lycoming News

Yaw: Coterra Energy Presents $1.4 Million in NAP Funding to Penn College

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) will be receiving a generous donation of $1.4 million from Coterra Energy, through the company's Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), for the renovation and expansion of labs and instructional spaces in the college's electrical and architecture & sustainable design programs. This donation will address the issue of overcapacity in these programs and the long waitlist of applicants since last spring. In addition, the donation will also provide Camp Freedom scholarships for student veterans and first responders.

Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the PCT Board of Directors, expressed his appreciation for Coterra Energy's partnership and the impact of this investment on student-focused initiatives and the local community. He stated, "Penn College is setting the standard for quality education and technical training around the world."

Michael J. Reed, President of Penn College, also expressed gratitude to Coterra Energy, emphasizing the enhancement of labs and instructional spaces, as well as the overall student learning experience in the electrical and architecture & sustainable design programs. Reed added, "Additionally, we are able to provide valuable scholarship assistance to veterans and first responders – two very deserving student populations."

The electrical program at Penn College currently enrolls 225 students and boasts a placement rate of 100% for graduates. The architecture & sustainable design program, on the other hand, enrolls 102 students. With the renovation and expansion, the architecture program will be able to accommodate an additional 39 students, double the size of studio spaces, separate instructional space from studio space, create a second jury space, and establish two additional computer labs.

The scholarship component of the NAP funding will benefit veterans and first responders from Camp Freedom, a nonprofit organization and outdoor adventure healing camp in Lackawanna County. The camp not only provides scholarship assistance but also promotes social well-being through peer-to-peer interaction.

George Stark, Coterra Director of External Affairs, expressed the company's commitment to workforce development and educational excellence. He said, "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."

The NAP funding, administered through the state Department of Community & Economic Development, provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations' efforts to revitalize communities.

This generous donation from Coterra Energy will greatly benefit Penn College and its students by addressing the capacity issues in the electrical and architecture & sustainable design programs. It will also provide much-needed scholarship assistance to deserving veterans and first responders. Penn College continues to strive for educational excellence and technical training, setting the standard for quality education worldwide.

For more information about Senator Gene Yaw and his initiatives, constituents can visit his website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.

Contact:

Elizabeth Weitzel

717-787-3280