Luzerne County Community College became a reality on December 15, 1965 when the Luzerne County Commissioners adopted a resolution agreeing to act as sponsor of a two year-college under the Pennsylvania "Community College Act of 1963."

The commissioners appointed the County Board of School Directors to survey the needs of high school students and local employers. On September 15, 1966, the Pennsylvania Board of Education, on information presented by the commissioners, approved the plan for the college.

Luzerne County Community College formally began operations on October 2, 1967 when 836 students began attending classes in downtown Wilkes-Barre. The college offered 11 programs in two buildings with tuition at $12.50 per credit.

As the coal industry jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania faded away, the area became a hotbed of various new business and industries that needed employees well trained in the new technologies and trades. LCCC offered the education companies needed for its employees. With an open admission policy, low tuition, numerous academic and technical programs, and the commitment to provide a quality education to any one who had the desire to pursue a higher education, the idea quickly caught on.

"In 1967, I was a young man with a great deal of ambition but limited financial means," said Leonard V. Shimko. It wasn’t easy getting my Associate Degree in Accounting. I held down a full-time job as well as being a full-time student. Earning my degree and becoming a member of the first graduating class of LCCC was one of the greatest moments of my life.” Shimko currently holds the position of CEO and President of Cross Valley Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in the Wyoming Valley.

Class size nearly doubled the second year. By the fall of 1968, enrollment totaled 1,500 and in June 1969, the first 210 students graduated. The commencement speech was delivered by Congressman Daniel J. Flood.

Luzerne County Community College served more than 5,000 students during the first five years. Quickly outgrowing its temporary headquarters, LCCC embarked on a plan to find a permanent location. The college wanted a space for expansion and that was conveniently located for the residents of Luzerne County.

In January 1974, the college moved to its permanent 122-acre campus in Nanticoke. The campus consisted f eight buildings designed with the latest technology and ample classroom space to handle the rising student population.

By the end of the decade, LCCC offered Associate’s Degrees in 13 Liberal Arts programs and 15 Technical-Career programs.

The campus continued to expand in the 80’s to meet the increased educational needs of the area. With the addition of an $8 million, 85,000 sq. ft., Advanced Technology Center in 1988, the college offers an array of high-technology programs such as robotics and laser-electro optics. An Education Conference Center was also constructed to meet the needs of business and industry and offer additional space to hold continuing education classes.

Enrollment in 1992 reached an all-time high of 7,450 full and per-time credit students and 8,000 full and part-time credit free students.

"When I was in high school, I had an interest in construction and architecture, but wanted to understand it better before I devoted my entire life to it," said Charles Consagra, Class of 1974. "I enrolled in the Architecture Program at LCCC and learned a tremendous amount about the work involved and the field. I continued my education after LCCC and received my degree in Architecture. My LCCC teacher even helped me find my first job." Consagra is a partner in Highland Associates in Clark Summit.

Luzerne County Community College began a large scale expansion and remodeling project in the late 1990’s. A 13,000 sq. ft. addition to the Advance Technology Building was completed to house the Commercial Art Department, including studios, lecture rooms, computer labs, and photography studios and darkrooms. The new Business and Computer Center took over the previous student center. The Library received a new look and new technology. And a new $8 million Campus Center opened in the Fall of 1999 housing the bookstore, a fitness center, café, cafeteria, student activities, counseling services, support services, and the President’s office. The total number of buildings at Main Campus is now fourteen.

LCCC acquired additional property along Prospect Street bringing the total acreage to 167-acres.

In addition to Luzerne County, the college has expanded its coverage area with off campus sites at area high schools and dedicated sites throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Off campus sites are currently located in Berwick, Elk Lake, Kulpmont, Hazleton, Honesdale, Old Forge, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, Susquehanna, and Wilkes-Barre. Plus, Luzerne County Community College offers distance learning classes over the internet.

Many students at LCCC wish to continue their education. LCCC has articulation/transfer agreements with over 40 baccalaureate degree-awarding institutions. The college is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, The American Dental Association, and the National League of Nursing.

LCCC also has been committed to providing educational programs to all aspects of the community. LCCC’s Adult Learners Training and Assistance (ALTA) program has provided literacy and English-as-a-Second Language training to more than 7,000 clients since 1987.

Luzerne County Community College is currently administering over 100 contracts for Customized Job Training with 80 companies (some companies have multiple contracts). The Customized Job Training Program, which is funded through the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development, provides funding assistance to employers who provide training to their employees. This, in turn, strengthens the workforce and helps retain existing business and attract new business to the area.

The college also has about students currently enrolled whose education is being funded through the Trade Readjustment Act (TRA – for workers who have lost their jobs due to foreign competition) and through the Workforce Investment Act which assists incumbent workers and those who have lost their jobs to improve on existing skills or to re-train in programs which will support/expand the local economy.

Today, the college boasts more than 22,000 degree-bearing alumni. LCCC currently offers 16 degree programs in the Liberal Arts & Sciences; 47 Technical-Career Programs; 33 certificate programs; and 14 diploma programs. The College’s top programs in terms of enrollment are General Studies, Education, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business Management Technology, Business Administration, and Computer Information Systems. Plus, LCCC offers hundreds of credit-free programs, making it the largest supplier of credit-free education in the area.

Luzerne County Community College is the largest college in northeastern Pennsylvania and continues to expand and adapt to the educational needs of the residents and business and industry in the Wyoming Valley.