BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Scranton-based Lackawanna College will open a trades-focused satellite center at the former Triangle Tech facility on the city outskirts, it was announced Tuesday.
Just across from Lehigh Valley International Airport, Lackawanna’s Bethlehem Center at 3184 Airport Road will offer associate degrees in carpentry and construction technology, electrical technology, and welding and fabrication technology.
Other programs such as HVAC are in the works.
Pending federal approval, courses could begin as soon as spring 2026, according to a university news release.
“With the addition of these three satellite centers, we are establishing a strong pipeline of skilled workers right in the communities we serve."Dr. Jill A. Murray, Lackawanna College president and chief innovation officer
Lackawanna’s new facility once was home to Triangle Tech, a technical school with Pittsburgh origins that, after eight decades in business, expanded across six campuses, including to one in Bethlehem.
The city location saw its last graduates in May.
The facility offers 42,000 square feet of classroom, laboratory and office space; 15 instructional rooms; 4,200-square-foot welding shop with 28 booths; and a cabinet shop for the carpentry and construction technology program.
A local impact
Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College president and chief innovation officer, said the expansion will help students “learn, work and make an impact” locally during an ever-increasing need for trade workers, such as welders and electricians.
“With the addition of these three satellite centers, we are establishing a strong pipeline of skilled workers right in the communities we serve,” Murray said.
“Today’s students deserve more pathways to successful careers in their hometowns.”
Lackawanna currently is accepting enrollment for the programs. Those interested are encouraged to contact the university admissions department.
“The new satellite locations strengthen Lackawanna’s technical education and manufacturing programs while expanding the college’s geographic presence into southern and western Pennsylvania."Lackawanna College
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education recently approved Lackawanna to open the Bethlehem Center along with two other similar facilities in Chambersburg, Franklin County; and Greensburg, Westmoreland County.
“The new satellite locations strengthen Lackawanna’s technical education and manufacturing programs while expanding the college’s geographic presence into southern and western Pennsylvania,” the university release reads.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies will take place at each location this fall, Lackawanna said.
The satellite centers will join 10 other of its locations in the state and online, including Hazelton, Luzerne County; Hawley, Wayne County; Sunbury, Northumberland County; Towanda, Bradford County; Tunkhannock, Wyoming County; and others.
