TANNERSVILLE – Northampton Community College will receive almost $400,000 for the Electrotechnology Application Center which assists companies in developing environmentally-friendly business practices, and a separate program to help track students’ successes electronically at the college.  The funding was secured in the Omnibus Appropriations bill which was enacted on March 11.

“The funding for Northampton Community College will help the school with two very different, but worthwhile projects,” said Today, Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D-11).  “The Electrotechnology Application Center provides a valuable service to our local businesses, many of which strive to reduce their impact on the environment, but do know where to begin.  This center has enabled many companies to significantly reduce their negative impact.  Additionally, the funding will also give the college the opportunity to electronically track students’ successes, and also see where holes appear.  We must work to improve the education of every student, and this program will actively work to achieve that goal.”

The funding will help improve the Electrotechnology Applications Center which helps small and medium sized businesses, especially manufacturing companies, effectively apply alternative technologies to their business plans.  The center provides assistance to businesses and manufacturers to help them increase productivity, improve energy efficiency, and achieve and maintain environmental compliance.  This effort aims to reduce the companies’ negative impacts on the environment and reduce their costs in the long run.  With support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the center helps businesses investigate new equipment, materials and processes before making large investments or production changes. 

Additionally, the funding will also allow Northampton Community College to set up a computer system that will give the college the opportunity to track its students' improvements and successes electronically.  It also enables the school to target underachieving students so that professors can help each student succeed.

In addition to Congressman Kanjorski, the funding was secured with the help of Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), and Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA).