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Lackawanna College is excited to announce the award of a $963,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The grant will support a new partnership between the college and Vytal Plant Science Research (VPSR), a non-profit, Hazleton-based biotechnology company dedicated to driving innovation and economic growth in agriculture and plant derived bio-manufacturing industries in Pennsylvania.

The funding from the grant was secured by U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright, Ranking Member of the House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees NIST’s annual budget, as part of his Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding requests.

“This federal investment will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and today presents further opportunities for new businesses, farm income, good-paying jobs and environmentally sound products,” Congressman Cartwright said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact Lackawanna College will have on driving scientific innovation, advancing skilled labor training, and revitalizing local manufacturing in our region.”

Focus on Research and Innovation

With the support of the NIST grant, VPSR will lead the research efforts by developing and refining industrial hemp strains. This includes conducting genetic research and exploring gene editing techniques to create at least three new hemp seed varieties. These new strains will be geared toward applications in bio-based products such as green building materials, renewable energy, packaging, fabrics, and even land remediation.

Hemp Industry Certificate Program

As part of this initiative, Lackawanna College will be launching a 15-week certificate program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the rapidly evolving hemp industry. Developed in collaboration with VPSR and other industry leaders, the program will provide participants with the skills necessary to work with hemp, including knowledge in horticulture, agriculture, the impact of global climate change, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).

“Our 15-week certificate program is more than just education—it’s a gateway to meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving sector,” President and Chief Innovation Officer at Lackawanna College, Dr. Jill Murray said. “By collaborating with VPSR and leading manufacturing partners, we’ve developed a robust curriculum that will give students hands-on experience with the very latest advancements in hemp technology, ensuring they’re ready to contribute to this expanding industry. We’re not just training for today’s jobs, we’re equipping a workforce that can thrive as industries increasingly turn to sustainable solutions like hemp for the future.”

Expanding Educational Opportunities

In addition to the certificate program, Lackawanna College will also use the NIST funding to develop a new sustainable agriculture facility at its Hazleton Center. This facility will host workshops and hands-on training sessions for students (K-16), teachers, and farmers interested in learning about hemp cultivation, gene editing, tissue culture, and cloning. The goal is to provide a comprehensive, hands-on educational experience that prepares participants for the future of the hemp industry.

“Advancing STEM education programs at two-year colleges is vital for creating pathways and opportunities that enable more talented individuals from diverse regions across the country to enter STEM fields,” Chief Scientific Officer at Vytal Plant Science Research Dr. Shobha Rudrabhatla said. “Lackawanna College plays a key role in this effort, serving a large community of underrepresented minorities.”

The Future of Industrial Hemp in Pennsylvania

Lackawanna College and VPSR’s partnership represents a significant opportunity for Pennsylvania to become a leader in the industrial hemp industry. By combining cutting-edge research with workforce development, the college is helping to build a sustainable future for both the region and the nation.

About Lackawanna College

Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is a private, non-profit institution offering 8 bachelor’s degree programs and 25 associate degree programs, along with more than 30 Continuing Education and professional certificates. Along with its main Scranton campus, the college offers six other locations throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. In 2021, Lackawanna College was recognized as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies and also earned recognition as one the Fastest Growing Colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2023 and 2024, Lackawanna College was awarded the classification of one the Great Colleges to Work For by Modern Think.

About Vytal Plant Science Research

VPSR is a non-profit biotechnology corporation that is partnering with Penn State University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Luzerne County Community College, Lackawanna College, Emory University, DON Processing, the Team PA Foundation, and several farms and private industries throughout the state that are already cultivating, brokering, and manufacturing hemp-based products.