WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING
Parents with stable employment can financially provide for their children and serve as positive role models.
Program Emphasis
This free service to the community provides advice and job search support to participants. Job seekers have access to a computer lab to search and apply for jobs online.
- Effective Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills
- Local Job Opportunities and Job Skills Training
Contact
Nicole Guzenski
570-703-0049
LEAD CENTER
We have expanded and enhanced our workforce development program through our LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) Center.
BIG NEWS! – WE’RE MOVING!
As of April 20th, 2026, the LEAD Center has been relocated from the lower level of Outreach’s 7th Avenue Center to The Marketplace at Steamtown!
Outreach’s LEAD Center managers foster valuable connections in the business community to create an “employment pipeline” for job seekers. Outreach has established partnerships with over 125 regional businesses.
The LEAD Center offers expanded job search hours, and anyone from the community can come in for interview training, resume preparation, and job search and application via our computer bank.
LEAD welcomes anyone, especially men and women re-entering our community after military service or incarceration. Our re-entry specialists can help you find gainful employment.
Contact
Nicole Guzenski
570-703-0049
Renovations are underway at our new LEAD Center location!
Outreach, formerly known as the Employment Opportunity and Training Center, began as a workforce development agency. As community needs evolved, our organization expanded by creating the LEAD Center to meet the changing requirements of families in our area. We continue to provide assistance to job seekers through various programs and services.
The LEAD Center provides an opportunity to explore new careers by holding job fairs.
GED INSTRUCTION
GED tutoring and support services are available for adults in need of their GED credential.
The Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education reports that 13% of PA adults lack basic literacy skills and 1.2 million residents lack a high school diploma or GED. Less than 10% of the job positions in the United States will consider hiring someone that does not hold these basic credentials.
Earning a GED can bring substantial benefits, including an average increase in annual income of more than $9,000 along with greater job security (Northeastern University, 2020).
Contact
Ryan Engle
570-209-6382
LCP GED Instructor Mike Abdalla works with a program participant.
SHE HAS GOALS
Victoria Jones enrolled in Outreach’s GED program at a time in her life when her path forward was uncertain. Having dropped out of high school in the 11th grade, she was determined to continue her education and earn her GED. Victoria entered the program eager and ready to learn. Even when she faced challenging material and feelings of doubt, she and her instructor worked diligently together to keep pushing forward. Now a successful GED graduate, Victoria is a member of the workforce and plans to pursue higher education in the future.
“My journey through Outreach getting my GED was the most rewarding experience in my life thus far. Not only did my teacher, Ryan, work wonderfully one-on-one with me, but the whole staff at Outreach treated me with the utmost respect and dignity that everybody deserves. I can’t recommend Outreach enough to anybody going through anything in life.”
HE HAS GOALS
Cal Bieryla is one of the first to participate in the community GED program at Outreach. Cal was extremely motivated to learn while managing multiple responsibilities such as being a single Dad, GED classes, no transportation, and a full-time job. By utilizing the in-person and online instruction offered by Outreach, Cal was able to use his time effectively. He came to Math class in the morning after working all night. Then, he worked on English on his own time via Google Classroom. Cal’s goal was not simply to pass the GED exam, but to obtain scores that allow him to be accepted into college. On July 18, he officially became a graduate with college ready scores.
After he passed his GED, the Outreach team discussed continuing education options. When he expressed interest in Lackawanna College, we were able to connect him with the appropriate person to assist with the college application and financial aid paperwork. Within a few days of completing his GED, he was officially accepted into Lackawanna College where he is studying Cyber Security.
EBONI’S TESTIMONY
“This was an amazing journey, thank you so much to my teachers, Ryan and John, for pushing me and giving me the knowledge and tools to finally graduate. Ryan, you were always so friendly and kind, and there when I needed you the most. John, thank you for helping me with such short notice and working with me through it all.”
“After I received my GED, I enrolled to Northampton Community College to go for my RN, which is my dream. The Outreach center helped me tremendously, working with me to obtain my GED to make my dreams possible. This is an amazing program. Thanks again.”
-Eboni Teague
Eboni currently works full time and attends school part time. Outreach is deeply grateful to have been a part of her journey!
Outreach signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge in February 2021. The pledge represents a call to action for all members of the private sector to improve their communities by eliminating barriers for those with a criminal record and creating a pathway for a second chance.
FAIR CHANCE PLEDGE
We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals, a fair chance to participate in the American economy.
This project received a Federal Community Project Grant of $250,000 (52%) from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and $230,454 (48%) from foundation and donation sources, for a total project cost of $480,454.