Mayor highlights Allentown\u2019s growth<\/p>\n
Allentown and the Lehigh Valley are among the fastest-growing regions in Pennsylvania, with the population surpassing 700,000 residents. Growth among families and young adults has increased demand for infrastructure investment, affordable housing, and high-paying jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a sense of now,\u201d said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. \u201cEvery day drives us to get things done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Penn State Lehigh Valley well positioned to meet regional needs<\/p>\n
Allentown and the surrounding region have experienced significant job growth in logistics, manufacturing and healthcare \u2014 fields where Penn State Lehigh Valley is already preparing graduates to meet workforce demand.<\/p>\n
The campus recently launched a four-year engineering degree program<\/a> supported by major facility upgrades, including two new engineering laboratories. Designed with workforce readiness in mind, the labs feature state-of-the-art equipment and professional-style workstations, including multiple screens at each workspace \u2014 mirroring real-world engineering environments.<\/p>\n Taught by faculty with decades of industry and academic experience, the program prepares graduates for careers in mechanical design, product development, manufacturing engineering and related fields.<\/p>\n Campus experiences extend into Allentown through work-based learning<\/p>\n Penn State Lehigh Valley\u2019s work-based learning program<\/a> provides students with a head-start on their careers by combining academic study with experiential learning both on and off campus. Many of these opportunities take place in Allentown with local employers.<\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s students expect experiences that give them a competitive advantage after graduation,\u201d said career strategist Jamie Merida. \u201cOur work-based learning program strengthens career readiness while helping students demonstrate critical thinking, communication, leadership, and professional skills to potential employers.\u201d<\/p>\n Lehigh Valley LaunchBox supports Allentown entrepreneurs<\/p>\n