The Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership (GHACP) is a grassroots community organization who's mission statement is to make the Greater Hazleton Area the best place to live, learn, work, worship and play.
The GHACP sponsors a variety of community events and projects, including The Scholarship Program, Rails to Trails, Gateway Beautification, Black Creek Township Alumni Association, MCOG and the Community Assessment.Much of the GHACP's mission came about as a result of the Zogby Report.
Due to the initiative of Hazleton Community Leaders in 1998, the Greater Hazleton Area has achieved much through the efforts of the dedicated volunteers of the GHACP. Over the last eight years the volunteers have made a significant difference in the lives of over 70,000 local people including minorities and people of all income levels. The GHACP volunteers have raised over $860,000 in grants and local funding to support the projects that have made such a positive outcome for all our area residents and visitors.
Click to visit the Facebook page of the Greater Hazleton Civic Partnership to learn more!
The Mountain Council of Governments consists of over 20 municipalities, school districts, authorities, the Greater Hazleton Civic partnership, and the Chamber of Commerce.
MCOG has been existence almost 20 years. It began when a few local municipalities joined together for the purpose of discussing and studying community challenges of mutual interest and concern.
The MCOG engages in the joint purchase of equipment and supplies, sharing of equipment and services, and they meet in a monthly forum to discuss common concerns and to hear speakers on timely subjects.
MCOG is an affiliate of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce which provides office space for MCOG business, a meeting place, and other perks. The COG is also assisted with funds from the Luzerne County Commissioners and a state grant sponsored by Representative Tarah Toohil.
The basic mission of MCOG is:
- To provides a neutral forum to discuss issues of common concern
- To articulate common positions on major issues
- To lower the costs of services, supplies, and equipment
- To provide government services on a regional basis
- To coordinate planning and regulatory activities
Our goal is to build on the collective strengths and resources to produce a SYNERGY that results in a better community for all our citizenry.
Some of MCOG’s accomplishments and endeavors include:
- Joint purchase of a sewer camera and tar kettle
- Yearly joint purchase of road salt
- A joint municipal abandoned vehicle ordinance
- Gateway signage and beautification projects throughout the area
- Assistance in developing Rails to Trails
- Regional police feasibility studies
- UCC code enforcement assistance
- Shared road services and equipment
- Speakers from the state, county, and private sector on grant writing and other money saving opportunities for municipalities and school districts
- Information regarding state programs such as COSTARS, NEPA, and surplus purchasing through the state and federal government
Participants in Leadership Hazleton come from every walk of life and they represent different professions, interests, backgrounds, and talents. However, they DO have one thing in common and that is that they want to see the Greater Hazleton Area become the best it can be in which to live, work and play.
Junior Leadership Hazleton
Junior Leadership Hazleton is a leadership development and a community awareness program for high school juniors. It was established by Leadership Hazleton and school representatives in 1988. It is guided by a Junior Leadership Coordinator and Committee and the Leadership Hazleton Board of Directors. Students apply for the program in the spring of their sophomore year.
Junior Leadership offers students the opportunity to work with adult leaders in their community through seven day long seminars. The seven sessions each have a different focus and topics will vary from year to year. Sessions generally take place 8:30 AM-2:00 PM, once a month August through February; a final schedule is provided once the class members are chosen. Students plan and implement three community service projects that take place during the year. Selected graduates are invited to return and assist at the following year’s Junior Leadership Hazleton program.
The in-depth curriculum acquaints participants with community needs, opportunities, challenges, and resources. It will give them the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and teambuilding skills. It provides them with the opportunity to interact with students from other high schools and community leaders and decision makers.
Program Objectives
- Encourage students to recognize and develop the skills needed for leadership potential
- Provide opportunities for a diverse group of students to interact with each other and with community leaders and decision makers
- Acquaint students with community needs, resources, and other aspects of life in the Greater Hazleton Area
Eligibility
Students from Hazleton Area High School, Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, Hazleton Area Career Center, Immanuel Christian School, Marian High School (Greater Hazleton Area Residents Only), MMI Preparatory School, and Weatherly Area High School who will be juniors in the fall of the next school year are eligible to apply.
570-455-1509
570-450-2013
8 West Broad Street, Mezzanine Suite 1490, Hazleton, PA 18201