Agreement guaranteeing admission, up to $10,000 in scholarships signed with Luzerne County Community College

Shown are, from left  — Thomas Fletcher, senior advisor to the president for strategic partnerships, Commonwealth University of PA; Dr. Diana Rogers-Adkinson, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, Commonwealth University of PA; Dr. Rosana Reyes, vice president, enrollment management and student affairs, LCCC; and Thomas P. Leary, president, LCCC.

Graduates of Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) will be guaranteed admission and have a chance to earn a scholarship to Commonwealth University thanks to a new transfer agreement signed by the two institutions on Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Students who apply for transfer admission and graduate with an associate's degree from LCCC are guaranteed admission to Commonwealth University with at least full junior standing in Commonwealth U's eligible parallel major (i.e, criminal justice-to-criminal justice), with a guarantee for a renewable transfer scholarship up to four semesters based on the student's academic performance.

Under this agreement, LCCC graduates will be eligible for one of four tiers of transfer scholarships:

• Tier 1 (3.50 GPA or above at LCCC) will award $5,000 annually,
• Tier 2 (3.0 - 3.49 GPA at LCCC) will award $4,000 annually,
• Tier 3 (2.50 - 2.99 GPA at LCCC) will award $3,000 annually, and
• Tier 4 (2.0 - 2.49 GPA at LCCC) will award $2,000 annually.

Commonwealth University will guarantee on-campus housing at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield campuses, for the first year of full-time attendance if transfer application is submitted timely per this agreement.

"We are delighted to collaborate with our colleagues at Luzerne County Community College to provide students from LCCC seamless matriculation to Commonwealth University and provide students with a guaranteed renewable transfer scholarship," said CU President Bashar Hanna. "We are committed to working with community college partners to ensure students have the best path to success. This agreement is another example of partnerships in action that will benefit our region and its workforce."

"We're pleased to begin a valuable new partnership with Commonwealth University and enter into this Dual Admissions Agreement which will assist our graduates as they continue their education and pursue their bachelor's degree," says Thomas P. Leary, president, LCCC. "This is another example of the strong, collaborative efforts of our local colleges and universities to ensure student success."

Students will benefit from the streamlined process of earning their associate degree from Luzerne, at an affordable price while remaining close to home. Luzerne graduates can then build on their education by earning a baccalaureate degree through this seamless educational partnership. The collaboration between a community college and a Commonwealth U as a state university benefits students by encouraging them to obtain a quality education at a low cost, while also providing the commonwealth with additional qualified graduates.

"Today's agreement ensures that Luzerne County Community College students can easily continue pursuing their educational goals to earn a degree. The benefit of guaranteed scholarship funds means students can focus on academics and earning the skills necessary for a successful career. My thanks to our colleagues who played a role in this partnership in support of our students; I look forward to welcoming LCCC students to our campuses in the coming semester," said CU Provost Diana Rogers-Adkinson.

"LCCC is committed to increasing students' post-secondary participation and success by supporting meaningful and comprehensive transfer pathways for our students. These pathways, financial support, and transfer-advising help increase direct access to quality four-year degrees and successful completion for our students," says Dr. Rosana Reyes, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs, LCCC.

Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield are boldly investing in the people and communities of Pennsylvania, together as Commonwealth University. The University is an affordable, student-centered academic powerhouse where the leading programs of our legacy institutions not only remain but grow even stronger. More than 80% of CU students are enrolled in foundational, in-demand programs like:

• Business Administration
• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Criminal Justice
• Applied Computer Science
• Biology
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Media and Journalism
• Exercise Science
• Nursing
• Health Sciences w/ pre-professional pathways like pre-med

Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield also continue to offer student activities, clubs, events, and campus life for an unforgettable college experience. A full complement of NCAA athletic programs at each campus leads the spirit of Huskies, Bald Eagles, and Mountaineers.