Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy, Class of 2023

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy — launched in partnership by Scranton Area Community Foundation and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Northeastern Pennsylvania workforce ecosystem together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects.

The Academy provides a forum for local leaders to work collaboratively to identify local and regional systems-based challenges and create shared solutions for economic opportunity for all. Fellows work with leading practitioners throughout the country as they deepen networks; strengthen systems leadership skills; apply race, equity, and systems change frameworks to their work; and increase understanding of effective strategies and programs.

“I recently had the chance to spend time with the Leadership Academy Fellows, and I found them to be a group of intelligent, dedicated and energetic individuals who share a strong commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania and the workforce sector in our region. When you bring exceptional individuals like this together and give them time, encouragement and guidance — as the Workforce Leadership Academy does — real, long-lasting change at a systemic level becomes possible. I am excited about the important work the Fellows are doing together, and I look forward to seeing the results of this work in our communities.” — Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy is one of eight local academies launched in 2023. Alumni of the Academy become part of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, joining Fellows from fourteen previous Academies in eleven cities in the US and Canada.