60NANB23D113

Purpose: The university seeks to create a center for workforce development and applied research in health, science, and cyber security that will support the university's core educational mission, which includes preparing undergraduate and graduate students for success in their chosen field of study with special emphasis on programs in cyber security, health sciences, and STEM. Additionally, the center would serve as a nexus for campus-wide outreach, research, and service, supporting expanded efforts by the university to engage K-12 students and regional businesses both on its own and through strategic collaboration.

Activities to be performed: The project features new construction of a multi-use facility on an open area of university property on the 400 block of Madison Avenue. The site was cleared in 2021 through the demolition of four structures. The current building plan calls for a 65,000 sq. ft. structure with a total project cost estimate of $31,500,000.

Expected outcomes: The university seeks to create a center for workforce development and applied research in health, science, and cyber security that will serve as a nexus for campus-wide outreach, research, and service by engaging academic departments and programs from all three of the university's colleges and schools. The center would enhance current and support new innovative academic programs in health, STEM, and cyber security, with special emphasis on providing experiential learning opportunities for university students; and leverage existing, long-standing relationships with regional non-profits, businesses, K-12 schools, government, and healthcare providers.

Intended beneficiaries: The center would support ongoing institutional efforts to prepare students for careers or advanced education in their chosen fields of study with special emphasis on programs in cyber security, health sciences, and STEM. The University of Scranton and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce have a long tradition of collaboration to address important community needs. The proposed project would provide a platform to advance current and planned efforts to address critical workforce and career development needs. The creation of the center would support an expanded partnership with Skills in Scranton, the independent 501c(3) workforce development affiliate of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Through this project, Skills in Scranton would collaborate with the university to develop outcomes-based, school-age career pathways targeting K-12 students, parents/guardians, and educators in Lackawanna County. The program would assist local education agencies as they identify pathway options effective with the graduating class of 2023 to be compliant with Pennsylvania Act 158 of 2018.

The university runs various K-12 science programs, including the University of Success College Preparation Program, a range of science enrichment in-school assemblies, and campus-based activities with Scranton schools and in partnership with United Neighborhood Centers. These programs serve predominantly underrepresented and low-income students. The center will support both program improvement and development of these initiatives.

Subrecipient activities: No subrecipients have been identified or proposed.

University Of Scranton

11.617 - Congressionally-Identified Projects

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [DOC]

Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510-2429 United States

Single Zip Code

None