Politicians, students, members of the public and local leaders in education, business and community gathered at Penn State Hazleton Tuesday morning to discuss the best path forward for the campus in a legislative roundtable session.
Sens. Dave Argall, R-29, Rush Twp. and Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-27, Sunbury and Reps. Dane Watro, R-116, Kline Twp. and Jamie Walsh, R-117, Ross Twp. served as hosts of the event which was designed to identify initiatives to strengthen the campus in the wake of it being saved from closure earlier this year.
In the spring, Penn State Hazleton was one of 12 campuses that were being considered for closure by the administration. In the end, the board of trustees voted to close seven, including Penn State Wilkes-Barre, but saving the Hazleton campus.
Superintendent of Hazleton Area School District Dr. Brian Uplinger highlighted the partnership his district shares with Penn State Hazleton. He pointed out Hazleton Area students can take college courses while still in high school to earn Penn State credits, help ease the financial burden and ease the transition to college, while also addressing demographic obstacles that need to be addressed.
"The HASD student body is nearly 70% Latino, yet Latino enrollment at Penn State [Hazleton] is just over one-fifth," Uplinger said. "By deepening collaboration both institutions can close this gap and create a stronger pipeline for Latino students' success."
Specific initiatives he believes could help both entities are early college programs, teacher pipeline development, career-aligned pathways, a research and innovation hub, Latino family engagement and allowing HASD to utilize space at PSU Hazleton.
The issue of affordability also looms large as a hinderance to many students and their families.
"To build our shared successes and address emerging needs, HASD and Penn State Hazleton can launch new initiatives designed to strengthen equity, access and achievement for all students," he added.
Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat noted that Hazleton is the fastest growing region in Pennsylvania in terms of residential and distribution and said the school district is bursting at the seams.
"The city is full of family businesses and the children need to stay local to help those families," Cusat said. "Penn State needs to realize the assets that Hazleton has to offer -- its students. Penn State needs to make a commitment to those students that would attend a local college. Penn State needs to introduce itself to the new population, the HASD and make itself more accommodating."
He argued Penn State isn't doing enough to reach out to the parents of new area families to let them know they are here and want to help them help their kids succeed.
Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce President Mary Malone called attention to the business side of it by illustrating that 15,000 people come to work in the Hazleton area every day and employers are always looking for future employees which could create job opportunities and internships.
Alex Neyhart, a member of the Student Government Association at Penn State Hazleton said that many students feel "left in the dark" by University Park's lack of transparency with the student body and shared his ideas on how he believes the campus can move forward.
"Degrees in teaching, information technology, technical trade, or even possibly pre-med programs would be excellent for the growth of the Hazleton campus," he remarked.
He also revealed the "collective sigh of relief" from students when it was announced PSU Hazleton was being spared from closure and made clear that students from the soon-to-be closed Penn State Wilkes-Barre are welcome at the Hazleton campus.
Bob Curry, founding president of the Hazleton Integration Project, had an idea to potentially develop a nursing program at the school to help combat healthcare shortages affecting communities across the region.
"Just a few months ago, the Hazleton community united to save this campus," Argall said. "But our work is not done -- far from it. Today's discussion helped build a roadmap for how Penn State Hazleton can thrive and benefit students and employers for decades to come."
"Penn State Hazleton is an important part of this community's future," added Culver. "Our focus now is making sure the campus remains strong by preparing students for the workforce and meeting the needs of local employers. With continued collaboration and support, we can help ensure this campus remains a place of opportunity for both students and the region it serves."