A Decade of Impact

For the past 10 years, Northampton Community College (NCC) has partnered with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Bangor Area School District to support students through the Community Schools Program — a model rooted in the belief that when barriers to learning are removed, students can thrive. 

Bangor Area High School holds a unique role in the United Way Community Schools network. While many programs focus on elementary and middle school students, Bangor’s initiative operates at the high school level — supporting students during the critical years when they are planning their futures. 

The program is grant-funded through a shared investment from NCC and United Way, reflecting a long-standing commitment to student success. 

The Community Schools Program supports not just students, but the entire school community. Community School Director for Bangor Area School District, Rebeccah Carbonetto says that families were struggling and didn’t always know where to go for resources. She works with Bangor Area High School to offer a variety of programming and essentials.  

Through the program and partners, vision and eye exams are offered; on-site dental services like cleaning and dental work are also offered. Carbonetto also makes sure the students and their families are informed about their options. They have access to a food pantry, access to mental health services, mentoring, and support groups at the high school, but she can help connect them to housing and other resources as well. 

The impact is measurable across the Community Schools Program in the Lehigh Valley. Eighty-five percent of students identified through the Student Assistance Program as needing behavioral health supports were successfully connected to services. Access to food and healthcare support also expanded significantly, with 41% more families utilizing those resources. These services ensure students arrive at school ready to focus — and families know where to turn for help. 

In addition to meeting essential needs, the partnership emphasizes college and career readiness — helping students explore meaningful pathways after graduation.  

Through NCC’s involvement, students have participated in: 

• Resume-building workshops led by NCC Career Services 

• A College & Career Fair connecting students with colleges and employers to learn more about their options 

• Field trips to local organizations to explore workforce opportunities 

• “Lunch and Learn” sessions featuring professionals who come to talk with students about how they wound up in their career 

Carbenetto also offers “Signing Day,” recognizing students’ commitments to taking steps toward a brighter future. 

Whether students are interested in technical training, entering the workforce, or pursuing higher education, they gain exposure to real opportunities and direct connections to resources. 

The success of Bangor’s Community School is built on collaboration. The partnership with Slater Family Network set up an onsite program that offers other resources to families like a food pantry, mental health services, and more. Donations from other community partners — including clothing and winter coats — also help meet immediate needs. Volunteers provide workshops and professional services. Healthcare providers bring mobile services directly to campus. NCC contributes funding, programming, and expertise. 

This strong alignment between school teams, district leadership, higher education, and community partners continues to drive steady progress. Ten years into the partnership, the impact continues to grow — strengthening families, expanding opportunities, and helping students build brighter futures.