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he Watson-Batts School of Construction (WBSC), in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network, is proud to announce the launch of its first cohort on September 27, 2024. This groundbreaking program is fully funded by the Watson Organization and represents a dynamic tri-sector partnership involving the private sector, nonprofit sector and government, working collaboratively with the community to improve workforce development and foster economic development.
This initiative is specifically designed to harness the significant growth within the Lehigh Valley, particularly in the commercial construction sectors of medical and educational buildings. The program aims to develop a pipeline of qualified minority contractors and subcontractors who can competitively bid and secure local contracts, thereby addressing the financial disparities that have historically affected these communities.
As a nonprofit organization, St. Luke’s University Health Network conducts Community Health Needs Assessments every three years which is mandated by the Affordable Care Act. Access to care is a significant issue in our communities. We see the best access among folks who have well-paying jobs with benefits, including insurance. To address the root of the problem, St. Luke’s has been involved with Adolescent Career Mentoring and Workforce Development initiatives for more than 25 years.
“This opportunity for collaboration directly aligns with our vision and mission. Our goal is to create pathways for equity toward measurable health outcomes through advocacy, access, and navigation of resources for partners and underserved communities. We envision a community where everyone has access to exceptional health care built on a foundation of trust and compassion. Ensuring people have jobs and careers with livable wages is vital to this process.”
— Dr. Rajika E. Reed, Ph.D., MPH, M.Ed., Vice President of St. Luke’s Community Health
“We are excited to initiate this transformative program that does more than just train the next generation of leaders in construction. It actively contributes to the revitalization of communities and fosters economic equity. This pioneering partnership is set to make a profound impact on the communities that need it most, opening up new opportunities and pathways to generational wealth.”
— Dr. Hasshan Batts
“As a successful young minority business owner, it’s crucial for me to give back and invest in the communities we serve. This initiative is more than a business strategy; it’s a personal commitment to uplifting the places and people who have shaped our success. By fostering education and opportunities in construction, we’re building a foundation for enduring progress and empowerment.”
— Ivan Watson
Classes will be held at St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, offering flexible learning opportunities for both youth and small business owners. The WBSC also provides various support mechanisms to ensure students can successfully navigate the challenges of the construction industry.
The program is now accepting applications, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early due to limited space.
About Watson-Batts School of Construction
The Watson-Batts School of Construction is committed to disrupting generational poverty and building sustainable community growth through comprehensive education in construction management, particularly aimed at empowering transitional age youth and small business owners.
For more information about the Watson-Batts School of Construction and how to apply, please visit (https://schoolofconstruction.
About St. Luke’s
Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network of more than 20,000 employees providing services at 15 campuses and 300+ outpatient sites. With annual net revenue of $3.4 billion, the Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. St. Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital.
Dedicated to advancing medical education, St. Luke’s is the preeminent teaching hospital in central-eastern Pennsylvania. In partnership with Temple University, the Network established the Lehigh Valley’s first and only four-year medical school campus. It also operates the nation’s longest continuously operating School of Nursing, established in 1884, and 45 fully accredited graduate medical educational programs with more than 400 residents and fellows. In 2022, St. Luke’s, a member of the Children’s Hospital Association, opened the Lehigh Valley’s first and only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to kids.
SLUHN is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. It is both a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. The Network’s flagship University Hospital has earned the 100 Top Major Teaching Hospital designation from Fortune/PINC AI 11 times total and eight years in a row, including in 2023 when it was identified as THE #4 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY. In 2021, St. Luke’s was identified as one of the 15 Top Health Systems nationally. Utilizing the Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system for both inpatient and outpatient services, the Network is a multi-year recipient of the Most Wired award recognizing the breadth of the SLUHN’s information technology applications such as telehealth, online scheduling and online pricing information. The Network is also recognized as one of the state’s lowest cost providers.
Information provided to TVL by:
Sam Kennedy and Vicki Spiecha
