Members of the University of Scranton’s University of Success class of 2030 got an up-close look at sustainable facilities and solar cells before applying their knowledge and skills in hands-on projects. The class includes 22 students entering ninth grade at high schools throughout the Lackawanna Valley. Following a morning tour of campus Wednesday, led by Mark Murphy, the university’s director of design and construction, students broke into five teams to build models inspired by what they learned. Each group then presented its case for why its chosen alternative energy source was the best solution. The University of Success, founded in 1996, is a four-year, pre-college mentorship program that provides high school students with educational opportunities and support designed to help them gain entrance into a college or university. There is no charge to students and their families for the program, which is fully funded by corporate and foundation grants.
Dipika Basnet, 14, of Scranton, assembles a wind turbine with her team and other members of the University of Success Class of 2030 during an interactive workshop on sustainability and solar cells at the University of Scranton’s Leahy Hall in Scranton Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Noah Keiper, of Scranton, works on painting a hydro-electric dam during an interactive workshop on sustainability and solar cells at the University of Scranton’s Leahy Hall in Scranton Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Students Omed Kibingwa, of Scranton, Patty Chen, of Milford, Prayash Magar, of Scranton, and Rachel Garcia, of Scranton, put together a solar panel with other members of the University of Success Class of 2030 during an interactive workshop on sustainability and solar cells at the University of Scranton’s Leahy Hall in Scranton Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)