PPL foundation provides vital funding to move large scale project forward
BETHLEHEM, PA – Northampton Community College (NCC) has received a $10,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will be used to support NCC’s goal of creating an open source educational environment at NCC.
NCC is advancing its commitment to affordable, accessible education through the development of Open Educational Resources (OER)—freely available, openly licensed teaching materials that can be adapted and shared. At NCC, leaders believe that the cost of textbooks should never stand in the way of a student pursuing a career. These resources allow students to access course materials at no cost while ensuring curriculum remains flexible, current, and aligned with workforce needs.
The initiative will begin with several pilot courses launching in fall, with a long-term plan to expand the model over the next three years.
Leadership for the project includes Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Information Technology, Marshal Miller, and Executive Director of Innovation & Strategy, Dustin Briggs, who will guide the strategy, management, and implementation of an Open Innovation Office at the College.
“By empowering faculty to create and adapt open educational resources, we are building an ecosystem that lowers cost to students, while keeping our curriculum innovative and relevant,” says Miller.
The PPL Foundation has provided the initial support necessary to move this project forward. NCC is awaiting review of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant proposal focused on STEM education. If awarded, the grant would support the development of open-source course content from start to finish for science and mathematics classes. The project would allow for re-design of 10 courses using open resources and expanded digital content.
The initiative will help students gain valuable skills working with open source platforms—particularly in fields such as computer science—giving them hands-on experience that can strengthen their resumes.
Open resource content also fosters collaboration between educators across institutions. By sharing materials with other colleges and inviting contributions from educators nationwide, NCC aims to build an ecosystem that strengthens course quality and expands access to knowledge.
About the PPL Foundation
The PPL Foundation empowers communities in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island by supporting student success from cradle to career and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities. To learn more, visit pplcares.com.
About Northampton Community College
With an enduring commitment to the regional communities it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College is an educational institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty, and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director, as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students annually from 53 counties, 42 countries, and 25 states. For more information or to apply, please visit northampton.edu. Follow NCC on LinkedIn, Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege, TikTok @NorthamptonCC, and Facebook.
