2018-2023- By awarding scholarships to low-income students, the Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) ensures that they receive ample opportunity to earn STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees. The Institute served as the primary researcher for the LCCC’s National Science Foundation S-STEM grant of the Start SMART – Self-Motivated, Academic, Reflective, Talented – program. The Institute conducted analytics, and reported findings on data (student grades, attendance, and mindset) for the LCCC’s Start SMART – Self-Motivated, Academic, Reflective, Talented – scholarship program. The research became part of NSF’s data library and The Institute worked with LCCC to publish the studies and present at conferences.
2018- The Institute conducted a market study of the counties served by Luzerne County Community College, finding promise for continued employment growth despite limited population growth. Young adults are entering the workforce as people retire, leaving ample opportunity in a variety of fields. The college used the findings to invest in relevant degree and licensing programs.
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization. In 2024, Jill Avery-Stoss assumed the role of President of The Institute, effective January 2025.