York College of Pennsylvania Expands Knowledge Park with New Industry Partners
York College of Pennsylvania continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for regional economic development with the recent expansion of its Knowledge Park. On January 16, 2026, the College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially welcome three new and expanding partners: MANTEC, Dataforma, and JDB Engineering. This strategic growth underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem where higher education, industry, and workforce development converge to drive innovation and economic vitality in York County.
Understanding the Knowledge Park Ecosystem
Knowledge Park is more than a collection of office spaces; it is a purpose-built collaborative innovation hub designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industry application. The park’s mission is to create a synergistic environment where students, faculty, and industry professionals can engage in meaningful collaboration, applied learning, and project-based innovation. This model directly supports workforce development by preparing students with the hands-on experience and industry connections necessary for career success, while simultaneously providing businesses with access to emerging talent and cutting-edge research.
For students and professionals seeking to engage with this model, exploring the opportunities within such an ecosystem can be a critical step in career planning. Discover how York College’s programs integrate with industry partners to provide real-world learning experiences.
Spotlight on New Knowledge Park Partners
The latest additions to Knowledge Park represent a diverse mix of industry expertise, each contributing unique value to the collaborative environment.
MANTEC: Driving Manufacturing Excellence
As a not-for-profit industrial resource center, MANTEC’s relocation of its headquarters to Knowledge Park is a significant vote of confidence in the hub’s potential. MANTEC works directly with manufacturers to enhance productivity, expand global reach, and foster innovation. Their presence creates direct pathways for York College students in engineering, business, finance, and supply chain management to gain practical experience. Bruce Newell, President of MANTEC, emphasized the strategic advantage of this location, stating, “Manufacturing excellence is driven by people, ideas, and collaboration, and this location puts us at the center of all three.”
Dataforma: Scaling Innovation from Incubation to Growth
Dataforma’s journey to Knowledge Park highlights the park’s role in supporting the full lifecycle of a business. A cloud-based software company serving the construction industry, Dataforma graduated from York College’s J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship business incubator. Its expansion into Knowledge Park demonstrates a successful pipeline from academic entrepreneurship support to sustainable commercial growth. CEO Mark Zeleznock noted the importance of this ecosystem, “We need a partnership with government, education, our local business leaders to educate young students… entrepreneurs are going to build businesses because it’s a great environment to do so.”
JDB Engineering: Completing the Design Loop
JDB Engineering, a consulting firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and civil engineering, brings a full-circle narrative to the park. The firm played a key role in designing the Knowledge Park building itself and now joins as a resident partner. This creates a unique opportunity for ongoing collaboration between the firm’s engineers and York College’s faculty and students. Timothy Warren, President of JDB Engineering, expressed interest in proactive engagement with faculty to “help raise awareness of our specific industry, so we can help retain some of this talent.”
The Impact on Workforce Development and Economic Growth
The expansion of Knowledge Park is projected to generate significant economic impact for the York area, including millions in local income and the creation of hundreds of employment opportunities over time. However, the value extends beyond direct economic metrics. The park serves as a critical bridge between education and industry, creating a feedback loop that benefits all stakeholders.
- For Students: Access to internships, co-ops, and project work with leading companies, providing invaluable resume-building experience and professional networks.
- For Faculty: Opportunities for applied research, curriculum development informed by industry needs, and collaborative projects with experts in the field.
- For Employers: A direct pipeline to a skilled, prepared workforce and access to academic resources for solving real-world business challenges.
- For the Community: A strengthened local economy, increased innovation capacity, and a more resilient job market.
Jeff Vermeulen, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Community Engagement at York College, summarized the collective benefit: “Each of these partners adds new value to the Knowledge Park ecosystem. Together, they create a space where students, faculty, and industry professionals can learn from one another, collaborate on meaningful projects, and contribute to long-term economic growth in our region.”
How to Engage with Knowledge Park Opportunities
For aspiring students, current professionals, or local businesses, engaging with an ecosystem like Knowledge Park can be a strategic move. Here are actionable steps to consider:
- Explore Academic Programs: Investigate York College majors and graduate programs that align with industries represented in the park, such as engineering, business, and computer science. Review the full list of programs to find your fit.
- Seek Applied Learning Experiences: Inquire about internships, co-op programs, or capstone projects that involve partner companies. Direct experience is a key differentiator in the job market.
- Attend Industry Events: Participate in workshops, seminars, or networking events hosted at Knowledge Park to connect with industry leaders and learn about emerging trends.
- For Businesses: Consider how your organization could benefit from proximity to academic talent and resources. Explore partnership opportunities with York College to support workforce development and innovation.
The growth of Knowledge Park is a clear indicator of the powerful outcomes that occur when educational institutions and industry leaders commit to collaboration. As York College of Pennsylvania continues to expand this hub, it solidifies its position as a cornerstone of economic and workforce development in the region.
For more information on how York College is fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of professionals, visit the official York College website.
