Community-Based Learning Talk Series Returns for Spring 2026
This spring, "CBL Talks" will focus on: "Healthcare Across the Lifespan," "Affordable Housing in NEPA" and Making NEPA Home. Each event will begin with a presentation from guest speakers, who are shown, top row from left, Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, Maternal and Family Health Services; Dr. Maria Vital, The Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic; Kecia Snyder, Lackawanna County; and Joy Hubshman, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA. Bottom row: Sarah Cruz, Scranton Public Housing Authority, and a poster for “Making NEPA Home,” which will be a panel discussion on the resiliency and hope of immigrants and refugees in NEPA.The Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL), in collaboration with campus partners, is pleased to offer a series of three "CBL Talks" in the spring 2026 semester. The goal of these talks is to provide University students and the surrounding community with information and insights into the major challenges and opportunities facing the Scranton area, and how they can be part of positive change. This spring semester’s "CBL Talks" are as follows: "Healthcare Across the Lifespan," "Community Solutions: Affordable Housing in NEPA,” and "Making NEPA Home."
Each CBL Talk will begin with a presentation from guest speakers, followed by Q&A. These sessions will also be recorded to serve as a resource for CBL courses. These events are a special collaboration of the Office of Community-Based Learning with the Leahy College of Health Sciences T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. program. The talks are also open to the broader University and Scranton communities.
Details on The Spring 2026 CBL Talks
“Healthcare Across the Lifespan”
On Thursday, Feb.12, at 11:30 a.m. in the DeNaples Ballroom, DeNaples Center room 407, Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, Maternal Family Health Services and Dr. Maria Vital, Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic, will highlight health and healthcare issues across the lifespan impacting individuals at different ages, from different populations and with diverse needs.
* Event update: This event is now full. We encourage prospective attendees to sign up for the following CBL talks listed below.*
“Community Solutions: Affordable Housing in NEPA”
On Thursday, March 4, at 6 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center, room 133, Joy Hubshman, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, Sara Cruz, Scranton Housing Authority, and Kecia Snyder, Lackawanna County, will discuss issues related to affordable housing in NEPA.
“Making NEPA Home”
On Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m., in the PNC Auditorium, all are invited to a screening of the WVIA documentary "Making NEPA Home," which shares stories about immigration in NEPA from refugee and immigrant individuals and agencies that work with these communities. After the film, a panel discussion will include speakers: Kara Washington, WVIA; Fikile Ryder, Catholic Social Services; Ushu Mukelo, Congolese Community of Scranton; Terilynn Brechtel and Audrey Golosky, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Julie Schumacher Cohen, University of Scranton.
The CBL talks are sponsored by the Office of Community-Based Learning, Office of Community Relations, and additional campus and community partners. Questions? Contact Daysi Carreto, assistant director of Community and Civic Engagement, at daysi.carreto@scranton.edu or (570)-941-4419.
