Originally scheduled as an in-person event, the NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit has transitioned to an interactive virtual format via Zoom, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the same valuable content. Hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation through our NEPA Thrives initiative, the Summit will bring employers, human resources professionals, executives, and managers together to tackle workforce recruitment and retention challenges across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
This virtual series will include expert-led discussions and solution-driven collaborations, leading up to an in-person wrap-up collaborative on May 1, 2025.
Register for sessions and view detailed descriptions below.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering systemic change and collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. This Summit offers actionable strategies to strengthen organizations and drive economic growth in response to ongoing workforce challenges.
For inquiries, contact Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager, at koren@safdn.org.
Workforce Barriers Summit Schedule
February 27 — Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration in The Care Economy
2:00 – 4:00 PM
The first hour, led by The Institute, will explore workforce dynamics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including in-demand occupations, labor market trends and COVID-19 impacts. A panel featuring experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Geisinger, The Institute and JobsFirstNYC will follow, discussing sector-focused strategies to address workforce recruitment and retention challenges in the Care Economy. Participants will learn about local healthcare demand, industry partnerships, and strengthening talent pipelines.
March 6 — NEPA Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration
9:00 – 11:00 AM
If you miss session on February 27, join us on Thursday, March 6, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The Institute will present on the workforce landscape, followed by a discussion on regional workforce challenges. Experts will explore how employers, community organizations, and education providers can collaborate to address recruitment and retention barriers, highlighting promising practices and strategies with insights from JobsFirstNYC.
March 13 — Workforce Strengthening Programs
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
There are several organizations and programs working with potential employees to strengthen the workforce and place skilled, qualified individuals in family sustaining employment. Come learn about the programs and how regional employers can benefit from the work they are doing.
March 19 — Childcare Panel
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Childcare needs often cause parents to postpone school and training programs or return to the workforce, or they simply leave the workforce because they are unaware of the support and resources that are available to them and their employers. Employers who collaborate with and are knowledgeable of state subsidies, supportive childcare providers, and open to outside-the-box initiatives can begin to address some of the challenges faced by their existing employees.
March 21 — Employment Resources Panel
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Historically, the PA Careerlink is seen as a resource for individuals seeking employment while Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Initiatives focus on business and industry, however the need for workforce development efforts in order to promote economic growth throughout the region has inspired collaboration and the need for a systemic approach. Learn from leaders throughout the region about existing resources and how businesses can contribute to the efforts.
March 24 — Transportation Panel
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Transportation is a key to recruiting and retaining a strong workforce, however only 12% of the region uses public transportation, and while 70-80% of the US population commutes to work the number of potential employees without access to vehicles or public transportation that connects with open positions continues to be a challenge. In order to identify highly qualified potential employees and retain a reliable workforce come learn about some of the programs and services available within the region.
April 3 — Unlocking Business Growth through Community Foundation Partnerships
1:00 – 2:00 PM
April 9 — K-12 Education Panel
1:00 – 2:00 PM
The PA Department of Education knows that the future of a strong workforce starts as soon as children enter school. Gaining an understanding of the career benchmarks in K-12 education, current programming to support career development, and identifying ways in which employers can partner will inevitably enhance their workforce pipeline and lead to economic growth throughout the region.