WILKES-BARRE – Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of saving- and paying-for-college programs, announced that it will create 2,000 jobs by returning its overseas operations to the U.S. Specifically, Sallie Mae will hire call center, information technology, and operations support positions in various communities across the country, including Wilkes-Barre, where 600 jobs will eventually be available.

The facility is within commuting distance of a wide area, including much of Monroe County.

The jobs will become available over the next 18 months.  Those interested in applying will be able to fill out an application on the Sallie Mae website.

Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (D-PA) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined Sallie Mae Chief Executive Officer Albert L. Lord in announcing the new jobs at its facility in the Wilkes-Barre area, almost doubling the number of employees at Sallie Mae in the region. 

“I applaud Sallie Mae for its efforts to bring so many overseas jobs back to the United States, and specifically 600 of those jobs to Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Kanjorski.  “I have a long working relationship with Sallie Mae and I am proud to have helped bring the current facility to the Wilkes-Barre area.  The facility has continued to grow over the years and today marks a significant step which almost doubles the number of employees at the facility.  I applaud Al Lord and Sallie Mae for this patriotic effort and I am moved that so many new jobs will benefit Northeastern Pennsylvanians.”

“This is great news for Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Senator Casey. “With the U.S. unemployment rate at 8.5% it is about time we have some 'in-sourcing.'  I hope that more companies that have sent jobs overseas will follow Sallie Mae’s example and bring jobs back to the United States.  And I hope that we can quickly see these new jobs filled.”