LCCC Awarded $5 Million Grant for Lilly Partnership

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is poised to become the hub of pharmaceutical workforce development in Pennsylvania. Following an announcement by Governor Josh Shapiro at the Da Vinci Science Center, LCCC will receive a $5 million state investment to develop a specialized science and technology lab.

The facility serves as a cornerstone of the historic deal bringing global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company to Upper Macungie Township. With Lilly investing $3.5 billion into the region—the largest private-sector investment in Lehigh Valley history—LCCC will lead the effort to train a highly skilled, local workforce.

“We are carving out clear pathways to careers that offer both stability and the chance to contribute to life-saving medical advancements,” said LCCC President Ann Bieber. “Our programs provide a seamless journey—from workforce certifications to associate degrees and transfers to four-year institutions—offering students ‘on and off ramps’ for lifelong learning and career advancement.”

Training the Workers of Tomorrow

The new laboratory will feature state-of-the-art equipment designed to mirror the advanced manufacturing environments found in Lilly’s facilities. LCCC will renovate an existing building to create dedicated training pipelines for high-demand roles, including

• Lab Testers
• Quality Assurance Technicians
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Production Specialists

“Our new teaching laboratories will provide the hands-on environment necessary to train the next generation in producing safe, effective, and accessible medications,” said Andrew King, LCCC interim dean of science, mathematics, and health care sciences.

A Landmark Economic Partnership

The Lilly facility will focus on producing life-changing medications, including the weight-loss drug Zepbound. Governor Shapiro emphasized that the $5 million grant ensures the high-paying jobs created by this investment remain accessible to the local community.

“We’re proud to have institutions like LCCC where we can create unique curricula to train the workers of tomorrow,” said Governor Shapiro. “This is a win for Lilly, for Pennsylvania workers, and for local partners like the Parkland School District who will serve as feeders into these high-paying, transformative careers.”

A National Leader in Technical Education

This collaboration marks LCCC’s second major corporate training milestone. The college is already distinguished as one of only four centers in the U.S. authorized to train workers for Amazon’s advanced manufacturing and robotics facilities. With this new investment, LCCC reinforces its position as a national leader in technical education and a vital engine for the Lehigh Valley’s economic future.

LCCC Students Eligible for Grow PA Grant Program

Students at Lehigh Carbon Community College are eligible to receive funding up to $5,000 per year thanks to a Grow PA Grant Program, which helps students pay for school and builds the workforce in Pennsylvania for in-demand occupations.

These grants are available each year on a first-come, first-served basis and are administered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Students who receive the grant can make their money go further by studying at a community college and will receive guidance from LCCC’s Career Development Center on pursuing an in-demand career. There are over 460 eligible programs of study or majors that lead to in-demand occupations in a variety of fields, such as agriculture, business, education, computer science, STEM, nursing, allied health, and criminal justice.

There is no age limit for receiving the funds, and students can be studying either half- or full-time.

Eligibility to be considered for the Grow PA Grant Program, you must:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be a current resident of Pennsylvania
• Meet satisfactory academic progress for Title IV financial aid
• Have not earned a bachelor’s degree
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible associate or bachelor’s degree program at an approved Pennsylvania institution
• This degree must lead to a job in an in-demand occupation as determined by PHEAA
• Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) agreeing to repay all funds received if the work requirement is not met, including any potential interest accrued

Applications are available now on the PHEAA website. Students must also complete their FAFSA application.

New Milestone for Hydro & LCCC

Congratulations to our newest group of technical experts! On Monday, February 16, 2026, we gathered at the Cressona, PA, plant to celebrate 16 students graduating from the LCCC Mobile Manufacturing lab. In a true testament to our team's dedication, the ceremony took place at 5:00 AM to honor our graduates as the 3rd shift concluded.

Since June 2025, these students have completed a rigorous curriculum, alternating weekly between Electrical and Mechanical Technician training. This hands-on approach ensures our team possesses the versatile, advanced skills required for today’s manufacturing environment.


Following the initial ceremony, the remaining cohort also successfully completed their graduation on Monday, February 23, marking the full completion of this session.

Through our ongoing collaboration with the LCCC Mobile Lab program, we have now graduated over 120 technicians at the Hydro Cressona plant. This partnership remains a cornerstone of our commitment to professional growth and operational excellence.

For more information on the program or upcoming opportunities, please reach out to Don Worman at dworman@lccc.edu.

LCCC Spring Career Fair Recruits Employers

The Career Development Center at Lehigh Carbon Community College is hosting Spring 2026 Career Fairs at the main campus in Schnecksville, the Tamaqua site at the Morgan Center, and the Allentown site at the Donley Center.

Employers are encouraged to participate and discuss employment opportunities with attendees. Employer registration is now open on the LCCC Career Development center website.

Below are the scheduled fairs. (Please note that the fairs at Tamaqua and Allentown are smaller and fill up quickly.)

• Tamaqua: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 11 in the Lobby, 234 High Street, Tamaqua
• Allentown: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 1 on the Lower Level, 718 Hamilton Street, Allentown
• Schnecksville (main): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, April 16 in the Community Service Center in the CSC Ballroom, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville

Career fairs provide an opportunity for local and regional employers to network and recruit talented LCCC students, alumni and community members from throughout the region. Job opportunities include full-time, part-time, seasonal and internships. We anticipate high volumes that include 2026 graduates at LCCC and from partnering high schools.

For more information, contact the Career Development Center at 610-799-1090 or email careerservices@lccc.edu. Details on additional career fairs are available on the LCCC Career Development event calendar.

Around Campus

Stuff-A-Plush


Students took a break from their studies to create their own cuddly companions at the Stuff-A-Plush event. This popular hands-on activity provided a fun way for the campus community to de-stress and take home a new friend.

Super Bowl Snack Event


The Super Bowl Snack Event brought football fans and foodies together to celebrate the big game. Students, staff, and administrators enjoyed a variety of game-day favorites while cheering on their teams and enjoying the pre-game atmosphere.

Service and Activities Fair


LCCC’s vibrant campus life was on full display at the Service and Activities Fair. Students explored numerous ways to get involved, from joining specialized clubs to discovering meaningful volunteer opportunities within the local community.

Peace and Love: SGA Valentine's Day


The Student Government Association (SGA) spread the spirit of the season with their Peace and Love: SGA Valentine's Day celebration. The event featured festive treats and activities focused on friendship and community appreciation.

LCCC Foundation Hosts Spring Cash Bingo

To raise funds for student scholarships and host a community event to bring people to its Schnecksville campus, the Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation will hold Spring Cash Bingo on Saturday, April 11, in the Community Services Center.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for food purchases and bingo registration. Bingo will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. Bingo games include a variety of cash prizes. Food will be available for purchase.

Only 225 tickets will be sold. Individual tickets can be purchased for $40 before April 11, and $50 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information, including sponsorship opportunities or prize donations, contact the LCCC Foundation at Foundation@LCCC.edu or 610-799-1711.

Important Dates for March

Mar. 2 –Women's History Kickoff: Public Speaking with Author Nichola Gutgold

Mar. 3 – Spring Transfer Fair 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mar. 4 – Alumni Lunch and Learn Speaker Series, Noon - 1:30 p.m

Mar. 9- 13 – LCCC's Wellness Week

Mar. 11 – Tamaqua: Spring 2026 Career Fair

Mar. 16- 21 – Spring Break - No Daytime, Evening, or Saturday Classes

Mar. 24 – Donley Center: LinkedIn Drop-In Clinic 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Lehigh Carbon Community College President

Dr. Ann D. Bieber

LCCC Board of Trustees

LCCC Foundation Board of Directors

Alumni Association Board of Directors