Students painting

Community & Economic Impact Report 2023-24

Lehigh’s Community and Economic Impact Report highlights its role in strengthening the Lehigh Valley through collaboration, job creation, innovation and research that drives economic growth and supports community well-being locally and globally.

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Expanding Our Community Impact

We are future makers, meeting a dynamic world with student-focused, innovative and interdisciplinary solutions. Our strategy positions Lehigh as a driving force in building a stronger, more vibrant region.

Joseph
J.
Helble
82

Lehigh University’s 15th President

Lehigh’s success is deeply connected to the success of our community. Together, we’re building lasting change and shaping a better tomorrow for all.

Read the Impact Report Executive Summary

Lehigh Valley Economic Impact

$1.4B

Lehigh Valley Economic Impact

Lehigh added $1.4 billion to the total economy in the Lehigh Valley in FY 2023-2024

Jobs Supported

14,374

Jobs Supported

Lehigh and its students support one out of every 31 jobs in the Lehigh Valley, including 255,000 work-hours in the recent renovation of the Clayton University Center

Research Spending

$48.1M

Research Spending

Research activities impact the regional economy through employment, purchasing and knowledge creation including inventions, patents and licenses.

Start-up and Spin-off Companies

$796.9M

Start-up and Spin-off Companies

Lehigh fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through start-up and spin-off companies tied to university programs, faculty, and alumni—driving job creation and contributing $796.9M to the regional economy in FY 2023–24.

See additional highlights from the report
 

Economic Growth and Community Impact in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh fuels economic growth and impact in the Lehigh Valley through spending, research, startups and talent development. As an employer, educator and community partner, Lehigh supports local businesses, attracts visitors and strengthens the regional workforce.

Our Community School Commitment

Lehigh’s innovative partnership with Bethlehem schools is powered by student volunteers and a long-term commitment, creating impactful programs in a globally recognized community school model—even drawing interest from Australia.

Jack
Silva
|

Lehigh Empowers, Uplifts All

Jack
Silva
12PhD
|

Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent

Lehigh Empowers, Uplifts All

Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva shares how the community school model transformed the Bethlehem Area School District by addressing academic and family needs and fostering equity through dedicated work with partners like Lehigh.

Hear more from Silva
Destinee
Williams
|

Meeting Needs, Empowering Kids

Destinee
Williams
|

Community School Student

Meeting Needs, Empowering Kids

Lehigh supports students like Destinee at Fountain Hill Elementary, helping students across the district complete 18,000+ homework assignments a year—boosting grades, confidence and stability.

Hear more about Williams' experience
Rosa
Carides-Hof
|

Building Trust, Creating Change

Rosa
Carides-Hof
|

Donegan Elementary School Coordinator

Building Trust, Creating Change

Through the Community School model, Donegan Elementary supports students and families with counseling, basic needs, and academic resources. With Lehigh as a key partner, the school has become a trusted hub for connection and support.

Hear more from Carides-Hof
Aerial view of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Creating Jobs and Driving Local Spending

In FY 2023–24, Lehigh added $376.7M in income to the Lehigh Valley through payroll, operations and local spending—supporting 6,235 jobs. As a major employer and buyer of goods and services, Lehigh drives regional growth and strengthens the local economy.

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Lehigh’s Commitment to a Stronger Lehigh Valley

From academics and research to arts, athletics, and volunteerism, Lehigh’s initiatives—such as supporting local businesses, addressing food insecurity, and enriching the region—are helping create a stronger, more inclusive Lehigh Valley.

Students cleaning up trash
Students outside a restaurant
Compelling Perspectives panel
South Bethlehem Food Pantry
Exterior of a building on the Lehigh University campus