Lehigh Carbon Community College Awarded $1 Million State Grant to Expand Tuition-Free Dual Enrollment Programs for High School Students

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has been awarded a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Shapiro Administration to expand its tuition-free college credit programs for local high school students.

The funding is part of a statewide $21 million investment aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education. Through this grant, eligible high school students can enroll in college-level courses at LCCC at no cost to themselves or their families. The program covers all tuition, fees, and required materials, including books.

“As a former student of Lehigh Carbon Community College, I recognize the value and opportunities that our community colleges provide for students,” said Senator Jarrett Coleman. Helping high school students earn college credits is a common-sense way to reduce the long-term cost of a degree and prepare our workforce with less debt and more experience. This investment in LCCC ensures that students in our district have a clear, affordable pathway to success.”

Expanding Access to Higher Education

LCCC is one of only ten institutions in the Commonwealth to receive this round of funding. The grant will support LCCC’s efforts to:


• Remove Financial Barriers: Ensure that students from all backgrounds can begin their college careers without the burden of tuition or fees.
• Accelerate Career Pathways: Provide high schoolers with a head start on degrees in high-demand fields.
• Strengthen K-12 Partnerships: Enhance collaboration with regional school districts to streamline the transition from high school to post-secondary education.

This investment aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget goals to increase the pipeline of qualified professionals in Pennsylvania. By allowing students to earn transferable credits before high school graduation, LCCC continues to serve as a vital engine for economic mobility and workforce development in Lehigh, Carbon, and Schuylkill counties.

For more information on dual enrollment opportunities at LCCC, please visit the admissions website or email dualenrollment@lccc.edu.

Pantano Family School of Technology Scholars

The LCCC Foundation was proud to present the class of 2026 Pantano Family School of Technology Scholarship recipients.

Four students attending Lehigh Carbon Community College were awarded the Pantano Family School of Technology Scholarship. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of Jim & Penny Pantano and are for students enrolled in Technology Degree and Certificate Programs at LCCC.

Photo: (Left to Right) Rick Christ (Foundation Executive Director), Diego Sagastume (Scholarship Recipient), Penny Pantano, Dr. James Pantano, Braylon Ubaldo (Scholarship Recipient), Samantha Muthard (Scholarship Recipient), and Dr. Ann Bieber (LCCC President).

LCCC Students Hit a Home Run with Professional ESPN+ Softball Broadcasts

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) sports broadcast students are proving they belong in the big leagues, successfully producing high-stakes live streams for Lafayette College softball doubleheaders this season. These professional-grade productions, which aired on Saturday, March 21, and Saturday, April 11, were broadcast live on ESPN+ (and Disney+ for those with the Hulu/Disney+ bundle).

For the March 21, 2026, doubleheader, a dedicated production team of 15 LCCC students took full control of the broadcast. Under the direction of Pete Sabino, students performed every essential role, managing five cameras, graphics, audio, and live announcing, to produce a broadcast that met rigorous ESPN standards.

The momentum continued into the April 11, doubleheader, where the five-camera broadcast was lauded for being professional, complex, and flawlessly executed. This production drew significant praise from both students and viewers alike for its professional quality. A standout moment of the day belonged to Meredith Christie, a dual enrollment TV/Film student who operated the center field camera; her performance was so exceptional that Lafayette’s Video Production Manager remarked that she "knocked it out of the park." Organized and directed by Peter Sabino, these successful events highlight the incredible talent within the LCCC program. For those who missed the live action, the games remain available to watch on demand on ESPN+ and the Disney+ bundle.

The Center for Workforce Development Graduates First Foundations of Leadership Class

The Center for Workforce Development recently celebrated the graduation of local business participants, including LCCC, from its Foundations of Leadership Program. Designed specifically for new and first-time supervisors, the program addresses the real-world challenges and expanded responsibilities faced by today’s emerging leaders. Participants engaged in learning experiences focused on building critical leadership competencies, fostering innovative and strategic thinking, and applying skills that drive positive team performance and bottom-line results.

Upon completion, each graduate earned a Certificate in Leadership Foundations along with a Digital Badge. Congratulations to all who participated.

LCCC Foundation hosted High Stakes Cash Bingo to Support Student Scholarships

The Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) Foundation hosted High Stakes Cash Bingo on Saturday, April 11, in the Community Services Center, and it was truly an amazing and spectacular event.

To raise funds for student scholarships and host a community event to bring people to its Schnecksville campus, the LCCC Foundation held High Stakes Cash Bingo in the Community Services Center.

This event served as a critical lifeline for many students in the LCCC community. Beyond the excitement of the game, every ticket purchased contributed directly to providing much-needed financial assistance for students who might otherwise have faced insurmountable barriers to finishing their degrees.

“The Foundation is committed to ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed,” said Rick Christ, Executive Director of LCCC Foundation. “Events like this Bingo fundraiser allowed the community to have a great time while making a tangible difference in the lives of our students, helping them bridge the gap between their aspirations and their graduation day.”

Important Dates for May

May. 5 – LinkedIn Drop-In Clinic, Main Campus

May. 9 – Classes End

May. 11-16 – Final Examinations

May. 18 – Commencement Ceremony

May. 20 –Spring Graduate Degrees Awarded

Lehigh Carbon Community College President

Dr. Ann D. Bieber

LCCC Board of Trustees

LCCC Foundation Board of Directors

Alumni Association Board of Directors