Category: Featured

Boost for Penn Highlands Community College Centre County Expansion: Secures Grant for Equipment and Furniture

Boost for Penn Highlands Community College Centre County Expansion: Secures Grant for Equipment and Furniture

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – Penn Highland’s Community College expanded into Centre County, opening a 5,500 sq. ft. educational facility in Bellefonte Borough last August.

Earlier this month, the college was awarded a $49,537 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to support this expansion. The funds will be used to purchase equipment and furniture, enhancing the educational experience for 300-400 students. Additionally, the college aims to train 100 incumbent workers, enhancing their skill sets, over the next three years.

“We want to emphasize the positive impact this grant will have as we work to provide new types of quality, affordable educational opportunities to students in and around Centre County,” stated Omar Strohm, Associate Vice President of Finance. “We want our students to have the most impactful resources available at their disposal.”

The Appalachian Region Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

The expansion of Penn Highlands into Centre County is a unique opportunity to improve access to higher education, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals, first-generation students, working adults, parents, and those needing academic support. Penn Highlands’ mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and quality educational opportunities to the communities it serves. While other postsecondary institutions exist in Centre County, Penn Highlands complements—not competes with—them by offering unique programs and affordable pathways to degrees and certificates.

Penn Highlands Centre County emphasizes a select range of courses and academic programs, some designated as High Priority Occupations for Centre County, ensuring students are equipped for in-demand careers that align with local employers’ needs and boost the region’s economic growth.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is committed to delivering accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population, promoting both personal and professional development. Penn Highlands offers over 40 associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas to its entire service area and beyond. With options for in-person, blended, and online classes, students enjoy the flexibility needed to transition smoothly into the workforce or continue their education. Beyond credit programs, Penn Highlands provides various certificates, non-credit courses, and customized workforce development training, supporting workforce expansion.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

$400K Grant Powers Broadcast Arts Initiative for At-Risk Youth

$400K Grant Powers Broadcast Arts Initiative for At-Risk Youth

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The Screen Arts Institute has received a $400,000 ARC POWER grant to help fund the launch of its Broadcast Arts Initiative in Shamokin.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative focuses federal resources on supporting communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plants, and related supply chain industries due to the evolving landscape of America’s energy production.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

The Screen Arts Institute applied for the grant over the summer with the help of Linda Sterling of the Northumberland County Planning and Economic Development office and Betsy Lockwood, director of project development and grants at SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), receiving the funds in October.

SEDA-COG will administer the grant. “It’s not something any one person wants to take on,” stated Mark Stansberry, founder and director of the Screen Arts Institute. “They will take care of reports, procurement of equipment, and allocation of requests. They’re the major liaison.”

Shamokin, once a thriving coal town, has faced significant economic challenges since the collapse of its coal industry, resulting in high poverty rates, limited opportunities for residents, and a high dropout rate that leaves marginalized young adults slipping through the cracks.

With this grant and an additional $400,000 in matching funds, bringing the total project to $800,000, the Screen Arts Institute will launch the Broadcast Arts Initiative. This new program that will open doors to creative careers for at-risk youth and adults in the greater Shamokin region, contributing to the area’s growing revitalization efforts.

“This has been 30 years in the making,” said Stansberry, “I see the potential and I want to add to it.”

The Initiative will offer education and mentorship to at-risk populations 17 years and older, focusing on creative employment and entrepreneurship through visual art courses and hands-on production experience in freelance work.

Courses will be taught by instructors who are artists making a living in the discipline they teach and include animation, digital illustration, graphic design, and mobile game building.

Students will engage in the Screen Arts Institute’s art, video, and mobile app projects, intern in pro bono work for regional nonprofits and small businesses, and design Shamokin-themed souvenirs that will be sold. These experiences will provide opportunities for students to launch their own careers in art, video, and app development within the growing remote and freelance economy.

The Initiative’s first-year goal is to produce 20 new businesses which will start the trend of replacing lost coal industry jobs through creative entrepreneurship. Additionally, the program expects to benefit 60 students, with 30 students graduating and attaining certificates within the next three years.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

Job Opportunity: Deputy Director

Job Opportunity: Deputy Director

Posted on by DNS Admin

Starting Salary Range: $90-$100K
Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance
and paid vacation & sick leave.

Do you take a proactive approach to problem-solving? Are you an excellent communicator and have strong analytical skills? Do you enjoy leading people and advancing innovative ideas? Are you ready to make a real difference in developing and implementing effective business strategies in the evolving world of community and economic development? If so, you have found the ideal position as SEDA-COG’s Deputy Director.

Our vision is to be the most trusted and highly regarded community and economic development agency in the Commonwealth! To do that we must deliver enhanced value to our region with an entrepreneurial spirit. This position is critical to ensuring optimal agency performance by strengthening the productivity of each department’s business operations. The ideal candidate will have experience and extensive knowledge in creating efficiencies while simplifying and modifying any potential inefficiencies of day-to-day business operations, all in alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and cultural values.

The Deputy Director reports to and works as a strategic partner with the Executive Director. The Deputy Director is the “second in command” of the organization, stepping in when the Executive Director is unavailable or unable. The position involves overseeing and improving the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of several programs and is expected to help provide organizational leadership while supporting the SEDA-COG mission.

A priority role of this position is to support Program Directors, and Division Chiefs, enabling them to achieve their program goals and to maximize their potential impact. The work of this position also includes ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and evaluating staff performance, policy adherence, and facilitating conflict resolution. An additional primary function of this position is to identify and explore opportunities for team building, efficiency, and cross-training across program areas within SEDA-COG.

The Deputy Director of Operations helps promote, support, and execute the strategic visions, goals, and directions of SEDA-COG as well as keeping the Executive Director apprised of all program issues and accomplishments.

Primary responsibilities of the position:

  • • Works as a strategic partner with the Executive Director on organizational strategic planning & management.
  • • Oversee and work with Program Directors and Division Chiefs to ensure optimum service delivery, efficient operations, compliance, and provide general guidance.
  • • Facilitate interaction, coordination, collaboration, and team building between programs, teams, divisions, and administration.
  • • Assist in identifying potential funding sources and develop applications and work plans for proposed initiatives.
  • • Work with the Executive Team to help define new and innovative business strategies that align with SEDA-COG’s mission, vision, and culture.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

  • • Practical first-hand experience handling both internal & external engagements such as networking and/or legislative events, speaking engagements, and general external affairs.
  • • Exceptional managerial and diplomacy skills.
  • • Strong relationship-building skills.
  • • Knowledge of continual improvement and process improvement strategies and approaches.
  • • Experience in navigating the complexity of federal and state programs and activities.
  • • Effective communication skills (verbal and written) including public speaking.
  • • Proven ability to implement and execute project ideas and concepts.
  • • Ability to simplify complex matters in a clear and concise approach.
  • • Strong organizational management skills, attention to detail.
  • • Continual learner demonstrating a vital interest in future trends of importance for the advancement of the organization.
  • • Proficient with Microsoft Office programs.

Education and Experience:

  • • Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, Business Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • • Minimum of 7 years of experience in organizational and staff management, program development.
  • • Experience in implementing successful process evaluation and improvement plans.
  • • Experience in financial management

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • • Master’s Degree in a related field
  • • Work experience in county or municipal governance
  • • A strong understanding of community and economic development.

Applicants are expected to supply a letter of application that elaborates on how their career has prepared them for this position along with a resume or curriculum vitae via mail or email to:

Amanda Owens, Human Resources Director
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
aowens@seda-cog.org.

This position will remain open until filled, and candidates will be evaluated as their application materials are received.

SEDA-Council of Governments is a public development organization based in Lewisburg, PA, serving 11 central Pennsylvania counties. www.seda-cog.org

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
SEDA-COG MPO Launches Public Survey to Identify Long Term Transportation Needs

SEDA-COG MPO Launches Public Survey to Identify Long Term Transportation Needs

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization (SEDA-COG MPO) invites the public to take an online survey to share regional transportation needs and priorities. The feedback received will help to inform the organization’s 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The survey is open from August 28–September 30 and can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3XavBlo or by scanning the QR code below.

“The LRTP impacts the counties in our MPO region—Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union—ensuring that the region’s needs and potential funding levels are considered over a 25-year planning horizon,” says Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG Executive Director. “The public survey is an important step in pursuing projects that align with the region’s transportation vision and goals.”

The LRTP establishes a long-term strategy for the region’s multimodal transportation system and identifies current and future transportation needs based on system condition, demographics, economics, and land use trends. It is also used as a guide for the distribution of limited funding resources.

The plan is currently in its first phase of data collection and analysis. During the plan’s development, the MPO will assess all modes of transportation, including walking, biking, driving, transit, and freight. Once completed, the plan will be used to identify transportation investments that align with the public’s goals for the region, such as improved safety and mobility, reduced congestion, and economic development potential.

“The LRTP is updated every four or five years to reflect changes in regulations, regional demographics and travel patterns, and the priorities of residents and other stakeholders,” says Steve Herman, SEDA-COG MPO’s Director of Transportation. “A wide variety of project types will be included in the final LRTP, from major, capital-intensive projects, to those focused on traffic operations.”

Public participation is key to the development of the plan. SEDA-COG MPO encourages the public to visit the project’s website to take the survey and share their transportation priorities. If anyone requires special assistance to complete the survey or would like a printed version, please contact Kristin McLaughlin, SEDA-COG’s project manager, at 570-524-4491.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

The SEDA-COG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the official transportation planning organization for eight (8) Central Pennsylvania Counties (Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union), as designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.