Celebrating Our Centers: Northumberland Regional Center
Throughout December, Luzerne County Community College is spotlighting each of its seven Centers as part of its Celebrating Our Centers series. Today, LCCC highlights the Northumberland Regional Center in Shamokin, a hub of academic opportunity and student support serving the region since 1999.*
Located on the fourth floor of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, the Northumberland Regional Center offers day and evening classes in programs such as Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, and General Studies. The Center also hosts a strong Early College population from area school districts, giving high school students the chance to earn college credits at half tuition.
Director Lori J. Laniewski, M.Ed., says the Center's mission is deeply personal. "We treat everybody who walks in the door like family," Laniewski said. "Students are often nervous when they first arrive, but two years later, they are completely different people. We're here to help them succeed--don't be afraid to take the leap, and we'll help with the rest."
The Center offers a range of student services, including academic advising, placement testing, registration assistance, and free tutoring through the Goldman Sachs Learning Center. A student food pantry also provides groceries and personal care items each semester.
LCCC's highly acclaimed RN nursing program is among the Center's most popular offerings, with local clinical placements and top rankings statewide. The program boasts a 96.04% NCLEX-RN pass rate, an A rating--from rncareers.org, and a 4th-place state ranking Student Reese Humphrey of Elysburg says the Center's learning environment makes a difference. "The instructors make you feel at home," Humphrey said. "They know you by name, and the smaller class sizes make it easy to ask questions and get support."
To schedule a tour or learn more about programs at the Northumberland Regional Center, call 570-740-0290.
Celebrating Our Centers: Spotlight on the Greater Susquehanna Center in Watsontown
All month long, Luzerne County Community College is highlighting each of its seven Centers across Northeastern Pennsylvania as part of the Celebrating Our Centers series.
Luzerne County Community College --Go Here. Graduate Here. Work Here.
We're in your community. We're here for you.
Today, we celebrate the Greater Susquehanna Center in Watsontown, a vibrant educational hub serving learners across Northumberland County and the surrounding region.*
Located at 1100 Main Street in Watsontown, the Greater Susquehanna Center provides convenient access to LCCC's high-quality, affordable education. With five classrooms, two computer labs, an office area, and a spacious student lounge, the Center offers students the resources and support they need to achieve their academic goals--close to home.
A Center Rooted in Community
The Greater Susquehanna Center is uniquely positioned to serve students from a wide geography.
"We are perfectly situated in Watsontown, right near Williamsport, Milton, Muncy, and Lewisburg, so we're in the middle of an incredible hub of communities," said A'njulean Kirchner, LCCC Greater Susquehanna Center Administrator. "The Watsontown Center is still pretty new, and we're growing. We're seeing strong demand for general education classes, general studies, and coursework supporting nursing, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, and we're even exploring early childhood education here."
A'njulean notes that the building itself contributes to the Center's charm and student-focused atmosphere.
"This Center is unique. It's an old elementary school, and it has so much character--open spaces, cozy places to study, read, or unwind. For me, it feels like a home away from home."
Students Who Feel Seen and Supported
The Greater Susquehanna Center welcomes a wide range of learners--from early college high school students to working adults to international students. What they all share is a sense of belonging.
Cassie Miller of Watsontown appreciates the personal support she receives.
"It's nice to have guidance from someone you can just talk to," she said. "I don't have to wait or get pushed through a huge system. I can call or stop in. I'm not sitting in a class of 800 people. I can come here, get what I need, and still take care of everything else in my life."
A'njulean says those individual goals and dreams inspire her work every day.
"Every student I've met here has a goal. They may not know how to get there yet, but they want something better for their lives and their families. My job is to help make that happen for them."
The Center's offerings extend beyond academics, with services designed to remove barriers and support student well-being.
"We have a large student lounge with access to our food pantry, where students can get free meals or produce. We even offer clothing for interviews or new jobs. We want to make sure our students have what they need to succeed."
A'njulean's own experience at a community college fuels her passion.
"I'm a community college girl myself. It was the best experience--I wasn't just a number; I felt like a person. That's the environment I want to bring here. Our students aren't just names on a roster. They're individuals, and that matters."
A Place That Feels Like Home
For many students, the Greater Susquehanna Center is more than a place to take classes-it's a welcoming, encouraging space where familiar faces make a big difference.
Student Maya Hadcock of Milton says, "I would tell anyone to go for it-it's awesome here. The staff is so helpful and always willing to give you the best advice. People here will do anything they can to support you."
Her friend, Lilly Batman of Milton, agrees.
"Honestly, it feels like another home. Maya and I went to high school together, and here I know people-I know the faces and the community. It's easier than going to a huge campus where you don't know anyone. Here, you feel connected."
Celebrating Our Centers All Month
Throughout December, LCCC is shining a spotlight on each of its seven Centers, sharing the stories, successes, and people who make them special.
Follow along on all LCCC social media channels to meet more students, learn about our community partnerships, and explore how each Center is helping students Go Here, Graduate Here, and Work Here.
Hazeleton Center Updates
As Luzerne County Community College continues its Celebrating Our Centers series throughout December, the College is proud to spotlight the Hazleton Center, which is marking 25 years of service, academic excellence, and community impact in the heart of downtown Hazleton.*
Opened in September 2000, inside the Broad Street Exchange building, the Hazleton Center has grown into a cornerstone of higher education in Greater Hazleton. With classrooms and offices located across multiple floors, the Center offers convenient daytime and evening options for students balancing work, family, and educational goals.
We have the ability to keep growing here in Hazleton," said Kim Whalen, Director of the LCCC Hazleton Center. We're always listening to the community, responding to its needs, and offering programs that students will truly benefit from."
Wilkes-Barre Center Updates
Luzerne County Community College is officially kicking off our Celebrating Our Centers campaign! All month long, we're highlighting the incredible impact our seven Centers make across Northeastern PA.
Our model is simple: Go Here. Graduate Here. Work Here.
Accessible education, career-driven programs, and personalized support - right where you live.
From Scranton to Shamokin and everywhere in between, LCCC is in your community. LCCC is here for you.
Throughout December, LCCC is spotlighting each of its seven Centers across Northeastern Pennsylvania as part of the Celebrating Our Centers series.
Luzerne County Community College - Go Here. Graduate Here. Work Here.
We're in your community. We're here for you.
Follow LCCC on social media all month to explore more Center stories, student profiles, and community highlights.
AM: Wilkes-Barre Center Video - Read News Story
PM: Wilkes-Barre Center Student Testimonial - Read News Story
Holly Interview with Frankie Magic 93 Radio Show
Luzerne County Community College is proud to launch our Celebrating Our Centers campaign! Vice President of Enrollment & Student Success Holly Pilcavage helped us kick things off with Frankie in the Morning on Magic 93, sharing how our seven community-based Centers are expanding programs, increasing access, and supporting students right where they live. With our growing "Go Here. Graduate Here. Work Here."" model, we're focused on bringing opportunity home with affordable tuition, local training, and pathways to great careers across NEPA. Join us on all LCCC social media channels as we spotlight each Center… Scranton. Wilkes-Barre. Pittston. Hazleton. Berwick. Shamokin. Nanticoke. We're in your community. We're here for you.