June 13, 2025
Scranton, PA – June 13, 2025 − State Senator Marty Flynn today announced that two community-based education organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Luzerne County Community College, have been awarded a combined total of $781,200 through the Family Literacy Direct Service Grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
“This grant empowers both generations by making education a shared experience,” said Senator Marty Flynn. “Parents have the opportunity to return to the classroom, while their children begin their own educational journey with a strong foundation. These are the kinds of investments that lift up entire communities and create lasting pathways to opportunity.”
The funding will support literacy programs that help parents and caregivers strengthen their reading, writing, and workforce skills while also promoting early childhood education for their children. These services are designed to uplift entire families as a unit, improve educational outcomes, and increase access to economic mobility.
This grant is part of a statewide investment of more than $3.6 million to expand access to family literacy services across Pennsylvania. Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has dedicated over $10.6 million to support these programs. The Governor’s proposed 2025–26 budget includes a request for an additional $6 million in adult and family literacy funding.
Institutions receiving the Family Literacy Direct Service Grant include:
Lackawanna County:
- United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, $403,000
- To support adult and family literacy education including reading and writing skill development, early childhood learning, and parent education services.
Luzerne County:
- Luzerne County Community College, $378,200
- To provide comprehensive family literacy programming that integrates adult education, early learning, and parent-child engagement activities.
June 12, 2025
Scranton, PA – June 12, 2025 − State Senator Marty Flynn today announced that the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been awarded $491,820 through the State Endowment Act Funds, as approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
The grant will support the Rural Medical and Mental Health Pilot Project, a new initiative designed to extend the center’s trauma-informed services into rural areas of Lackawanna County. The project builds on the Center’s longstanding mission to provide child abuse victims with comprehensive medical evaluations, forensic interviews, advocacy, and mental health treatment in a safe, child-focused environment.
The award was part of a broader package of funding initiatives approved by PCCD at its most recent meeting. The State Endowment Act supports community-focused strategies that prevent violence, strengthen victim services, and enhance public safety across Pennsylvania.
Grant Award Detail – Lackawanna County
Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania
- Grant Amount: $491,820
- To support a Rural Medical and Mental Health Pilot Project aimed at expanding access to care for children and families in underserved areas.
June 3, 2025
HARRISBURG, PA – June 3, 2025 – Senator Marty Flynn announced that Luzerne County has been awarded $6.2 million in state funding to support critical upgrades at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. The funding will go toward expanding the terminal and modernizing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening area.
The investment is part of a larger initiative by the Shapiro Administration to improve airport infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport received the largest single allocation in this round of funding.
“This funding marks a long-term investment in the future of northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Senator Flynn. “As demand for air travel and commerce in our region continues to rise, it’s essential that our infrastructure keeps pace. These upgrades will ensure our airport remains a modern, accessible, and secure gateway for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The project will be financed through the state Capital Budget via the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds. Once completed, the upgrades will improve passenger flow, enhance security operations, and support continued growth at one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s busiest airports.
To learn more about transportation investments happening across Pennsylvania, visit www.penndot.pa.gov.
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May 20, 2025
HARRISBURG − May 20, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn today announced that the Old Forge School District has been awarded $400,000 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Solar for Schools program.
The funding will support the installation of solar energy infrastructure at the district, helping reduce long-term energy costs and promote sustainability in school operations.
“This is a smart investment that will benefit students and the environment,” said Senator Flynn. “By supporting clean energy in our schools, we’re helping districts cut costs while also teaching the next generation about the importance of sustainability and innovation.”
Senator Flynn also thanked State Representative Jim Haddock for his partnership and advocacy in helping secure the funding for Old Forge.
The Solar for Schools program provides grants to public K-12 schools to help offset the costs of solar energy systems, with the goal of reducing utility expenses and advancing renewable energy use across the Commonwealth.
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April 17, 2025
Scranton, PA – April 16, 2025 – Lackawanna County has received a $90,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through Governor Josh Shapiro’s Strategic Management Planning Program. The funding will support Phase 2 of a project focused on improving the county’s financial oversight and long-term planning.
With these funds, the county will bring in financial professionals to help guide and strengthen its fiscal management practices. The goal is to ensure public resources are managed responsibly and effectively while laying the groundwork for smarter, more sustainable growth.
“This is great news for our community,” said Senator Flynn. “Strong financial planning often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in how well local government can serve its residence. I’m proud to support this investment in Lackawanna County, and I’m confident it will help us build a more stable and sustainable future.”
This grant is part of a continued effort to support county governments across the Commonwealth in modernizing operations, improving transparency, and ensuring financial stability for years to come. Lackawanna County’s participation in this program highlights its commitment to strong, accountable governance that works for the people.
The project will move forward once all contract documents are finalized and the grant requirements are met.
For more information on the Strategic Management Planning Program, visit PA Department of Community & Economic Development.
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