The Hope Early Learning Center at Lycoming College officially opened on Wednesday, April 11, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Forrest Hall, where the new preschool facility is located.

Speakers at the event included Dr. James E. Douthat, President of Lycoming College; Mr. Thomas Shivetts, Executive Director of the BLaST Intermediate Unit 17; and Mr. Barry R. Stiger, Chairman of the Board at Hope Enterprises, Inc.

“Hope has always been a vital part of the community and we’re delighted to be a part of that,” said Dr. Douthat. “Our students will be better prepared to enter into the classroom to teach with this program.”

The new learning center is a joint project between Hope Enterprises, Inc. and the Education and Psychology Departments at Lycoming College. The preschool program offers a unique opportunity for local children to learn, socialize, and play.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to partner with Lycoming College,” said Barbara Burke, Program Supervisor of the Early Learning Program at Hope Enterprises, Inc. “We are looking forward to having more Lycoming students participate. That is why we partnered--to give the students experience and opportunities and to keep us stimulated with new ideas and approaches.”

Hope Enterprises, Inc. began its preschool program in the 1970s for children with special needs. The program eventually expanded to include children from the community with and without special needs. Hope Enterprises now has three locations in Jersey Shore, the Miller Center in Williamsport, and at Lycoming College. Classes formally began at the Lycoming College location in July 2006.