In an exciting development for the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh University has released its Community and Economic Impact Report for the fiscal year 2024. This comprehensive analysis, crafted with assistance from the leading labor market analytics firm Lightcast, offers a rare glimpse into the university’s significant influence on the local economy and community life, a calculation not undertaken in over a decade.
As an R1 research institution, a distinguished designation shared by only seven universities in Pennsylvania, Lehigh University contributed a staggering $1.4 billion to the regional economy in FY24. This substantial impact was bolstered by the support of over 14,000 jobs and the generation of nearly $800 million through various ventures. These include start-ups and spin-offs as well as manufacturers tied to university initiatives, notably through subsidiaries such as the Manufacturers Resource Center and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Lehigh’s commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive community is evident through its ongoing research, volunteer efforts, and extensive partnerships. This work aligns with the university’s Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, particularly the “Enhance the Shared Bethlehem Experience” initiative, which emphasizes the importance of measurable achievements and cements Lehigh’s role as a crucial anchor institution in the region.
President Joseph J. Helble ’82 expressed gratitude towards the community, acknowledging the diverse contributions of Lehigh’s members in terms of scholarship, service, research, and teaching, all of which play a vital role in shaping the university’s positive impact on the local community.
Joseph J. Helble ’82
President, Lehigh University
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