When Penn State Lehigh Valley expands into downtown Allentown early next year, the 835 Hamilton St. location will host an artificial intelligence-themed lab and a business incubator alongside campus programs.
The AI Innovation Lab will offer training and consulting for businesses, schools and public agencies exploring AI applications, while LaunchBox, the business incubator, will provide free resources to entrepreneurs including mentorship, legal support and coworking space.
The Allentown School District aims to take advantage of those services with the upcoming launch of an Academy of AI & Entrepreneurship based at the new downtown education center. Academy students can complete dual-enrollment courses, work with the AI Innovation Lab and LaunchBox, and connect to internships Penn State plans to facilitate through partnerships with regional employers.
“By strengthening access to high-quality postsecondary learning experiences in the heart of downtown Allentown, we are building clearer pathways from classroom to career. Just as importantly, we are building on the AI learning experiences our students are engaging in now, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to innovate, solve problems, and lead in a rapidly changing world,” Allentown Superintendent Carol Birks said in a news release. “Together, we are creating more opportunities for students to envision what’s possible, connect learning to real-world outcomes, and pursue their goals with confidence, whether that path leads to college, career, or to creating and launching their own business, product, or community-based initiative.”
A $500,000 state grant will fund technology infrastructure and marketing initiatives for the new campus, an 8,500-square-foot site on the ground floor of The Hamilton at Grand Plaza.
In addition to supporting the local school district, the downtown Allentown Penn State Lehigh Valley location is expected to open up opportunities for veterans, who are a key market for Penn State’s online courses and entrepreneurial programs.
“This fantastic investment will help our veterans in the Lehigh Valley to receive state-of-the-art training, mentoring and support to start or continue their small business,” state Rep. Peter Schweyer said in a news release. “It’s through partnerships like this with Penn State Lehigh Valley that help keep the local economy growing.“