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Upcoming Workforce and Professional Development Courses Announced

The Center for Business Development and Community Outreach is proud to announce the Spring 2026 lineup of career and workforce development courses and workshops.
Enrollment now open for Spring 2026 Career and Professional Development Courses

The Center for Business Development and Community Outreach (CBDCO), serving the Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Hazleton communities, is proud to announce its Spring 2026 lineup of career and workforce development courses and workshops. 

Designed to meet the evolving needs of educators, professionals, and lifelong learners, these online and in-person classes provide opportunities to gain new skills, earn certifications, and advance careers across a variety of industries.

Spring 2026 career and workforce development courses and workshops.

Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your classroom strategies, a professional aiming to sharpen your business skills, or a student preparing for college, Penn State Scranton has something for everyone.

Courses for Educators

Educators seeking to deepen their instructional strategies and classroom management skills can choose from a range of targeted online courses:

  • CI 400: Introduction to Research Literature 
    January 12 – February 20, 2026, Tuesdays
    Explore the foundations of educational research and how to apply findings to classroom practice. Meet online via Zoom.
  • EDUC 470W: Higher Order Thinking for Educators (H.O.T.S)
    January 12 – February 20, 2026, Wednesdays
    A dynamic course designed to help K–12 educators foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their students. Meet online via Zoom.
  • CI 497: Authentic Instruction in the Classroom & Facilitating Learning
    March 16, 2026 - April 24, 2026, Tuesdays 
    Learn how to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. Meet online via Zoom.
  • EDUC 418: Positive Classroom Climate
    March 16 – April 24, 2026, Wednesdays
    Focuses on cultivating a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes positive student attitudes. Meet online via Zoom.

Check out Courses for Educators 

Workforce and Professional Development

For professionals looking to enhance their skill sets or change careers, CBDCO offers practical, in-demand training:

Industry-Focused Courses

CBDCO also offers specialized training for those in real estate, human resources, supply chain management, and design:

Also running this Spring are a selection of in-person options for High School Students.

  • Dual Credit Enrollment
    January 12 -  May 1, 2026, Application Deadline December 1
    Start your college career now! Earn college credit while you’re still in high school.
    You’ll meet in-person on the Penn State Scranton campus.
  • FREE Environmental Science Course for College Credit 
    January 12 – May 1, 2026
    A unique opportunity for high school students to earn college credit while exploring environmental science. You’ll meet in-person on the Penn State Scranton campus.
  • SAT Math and Verbal Prep 
    January 12 – March 2, 2026
    Prepare for college entrance exams with expert instruction and practice. You’ll meet in-person on the Penn State Scranton campus.

Registration is now open!

To learn more or enroll, visit Penn State CBDCO’s website or contact the Center directly. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, explore a new field, or prepare for college, Spring 2026 is the perfect time to invest in your future.

New offerings always being added. Check out our website for up-to-date information.