POCONO TWP - The first shovel of earth was turned for the construction of a full-service Northampton Community College campus slated to open in January of 2014 off Route 715 in Pocono Township.  Groundbreaking took place Tuesday.

Northampton began offering college classes in Monroe County in 1988 at the request of representatives from local school districts who provided space for instruction.  As demand for courses grew, the College purchased and renovated an old blouse factory on Old Mill Road in Tannersville.  The building has been expanded three times to accommodate an increasing number of students, but it is currently at capacity.

When the new campus opens, the classrooms, science and computer labs, meeting rooms, library, child care center, food court and athletic fields will be able to accommodate 5000 college students, as well as to provide space for cultural events and community meetings, and for the popular "Horizons for Youth" program for youngsters in Grades K-12.  The old campus on Old Mill Road will be used for corporate training and continuing education programs.

The new campus will include three buildings with space for more. 

According to a study done by Steven Zaricki of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, construction is expected to provide a significant economic boost for the region during tough economic times, generating up to $96.6 million in economic activity and $8.8 million in tax revenue for Monroe County and the surrounding area over the next three years.