NEPIRC Secures Significant Grant from the Luzerne Foundation to Expand its Dream Team Program

(Wilkes-Barre, PA July 2024) — Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant grant aimed at enhancing and expanding its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program, which serves to bridge the gap between students in northeastern, northern and north central PA and manufacturing careers.

NEPIRC was awarded a three-year, $30,000/year grant from The Luzerne Foundation’s Pasco L. Schiavo Fund, marking NEPIRC’s first philanthropic foundation grant. This substantial investment underscores the regional and statewide impact of the Dream Team program.

With this grant, NEPIRC’s Dream Team will expand school and student outreach throughout Luzerne County, primarily in the Hazleton and Weatherly areas. NEPIRC’s Dream Team will recruit Spanish-speaking Ambassadors, work within underserved communities and host engagements for underserved populations in the Hispanic/Latino community. The grant will also allow the Dream Team program to create Dream Team presentations, videos and career awareness materials in Spanish.

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant.

“Pasco Schiavo was a man who always gave individuals a chance who wanted to work hard and better their communities,” said David Pedri, president and CEO of The Luzerne Foundation. “The Luzerne Foundation is honored to partner with NEPIRC and its Dream Team to keep Pasco’s legacy of generosity alive by helping the next generation achieve success,” continued Pedri.

NEPIRC is a not-for-profit organization providing world-class technical, engineering, consultative and training services to small and mid-sized manufacturers across an 11-county region of northeastern, northern and parts of central Pennsylvania. More information can be found at www.NEPIRC.com or via email to Info@NEPIRC.com or Eric Joseph Esoda at Eric@NEPIRC.com.