Carbon, Schuylkill, and Luzerne Counties Ecosystem

Carbon, Schuylkill, and Luzerne Counties, PA

About

The CSL Ecosystem is the result of a grass root initiative that began in 2004 in rural Carbon/ Schuylkill County in NE PA. The heart of the ecosystem is SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) a nationally recognized OST program, which has cultivated partnerships reaching every facet of the community. Administered by Lehigh Carbon Community College, the 42 week program includes kindergarten home visiting, 1st-4th grade STEM centers, 5th- 8th grade STEM Career Academy and high school mentoring opportunities. Cross-sector partnerships have created a pathway from pre-school to career, promoting STEM education, college/career ready students, the foundation for a strong workforce. The SHINE model was replicated in Luzerne County resulting in 19 STEM Centers over 800 sq. miles in 13 economically disadvantaged school districts and 5 CTC’s. SHINE has been a catalyst for expanding STEM into the school curriculum. Community & business partners are committed to providing students STEM experiences.

Key Programs

SHINE OST Program – 42 week project based after-school & summer program (K- 12th grade) with a focus on high priority STEM occupations
Teacher Training Program – (K-3rd grade) 50 hours based on emerging, progressing and advanced levels of STEM learning. Training at Career/Technical Schools &. business/industry facilities. Mentoring through IU’s and SHINE OST.
Makerspace ( funded through public/private partnership) – Designing Makerspace areas in school buildings to be utilized by students from regular day and for OST. Schools are also utilizing as a tool for teacher training.