History

Lackawanna College's development into the premier community-oriented junior college in Northeastern Pennsylvania parallels the development of the region. With the growth of the railroads in the 19th Century, demand for the clean-burning anthracite coal greatly expanded. As Scranton emerged as the hub of the nation's coal industry, the Scranton Business College was founded in 1894 to train administrative and fiscal managers and their support personnel.

The College began as a proprietary institution with a full academic program under the direction of H.D. Buck and A.R. Whitmore. John H. Seeley, a noted regional educator, purchased it in 1912. Seeley, who also owned the Lackawanna Business College, merged his two institutions into the Scranton Lackawanna Business College and built a new campus in the city's downtown.

The word "Business" was eventually dropped from the school's name as too restrictive and civil service courses were added to prepare students for governmental positions. The College met with continued success because of its ability to change with the times. With the coming of World War II, the school made a concerted effort to train women for positions in business and industry. After the war, the College adapted its programs once more to meet the needs of returning veterans.

In 1957, the College was incorporated as a non-profit institution under a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Chartered as Lackawanna Junior College, course offerings were expanded to include the humanities and the social and behavioral sciences. The Pennsylvania Department of Education granted Lackawanna the right to award associate degrees.

The College is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, thereby permitting transfer of Lackawanna credits to other accredited institutions. It features an open admissions policy and, in addition to its academic degree programs, offers non-credit continuing education courses. Lackawanna also operates academies, such as the Banking Institute, the Local Government Academy, the Paramedic Training Institute and the Police Academy, which teach the subjects vital to certain professions or industries.

The College has satellite centers in Hazleton, Honesdale and Towanda. In 1994 Lackawanna purchased the former Central High School building in downtown Scranton.  After over two years of restoration and renovation, Lackawanna moved into the historic building in 1996.  This main campus also houses the institution’s long distance learning facilities, utilizing modern technology to increase the reach and scope of educational services.   The institution’s long distance facilities are employed by many modern companies to meet their training and communication demands.