According to Allentown School District, The Family & Community Resource Center will allow the Allentown School District to focus on its commitment to empowering families in alignment with the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan. One of the goals is to transform community engagement by cultivating and expanding opportunities for communication, collaboration and connection among families, students, schools and community.  

Founded in 2006 to transform educational infrastructure in underserved urban areas, DIG has spent two decades refining a design approach that champions educational equity at its core. Now a regional powerhouse with offices in New Brunswick, Philadelphia and New York City, the firm’s entry into the Lehigh Valley brings its “Architecture for Change” philosophy to one of Pennsylvania’s most diverse and fastest-growing cities. The firm is a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise and a leader in creating sustainable, high-impact environments in the PK-12 and higher education, healthcare, community and civic, senior living and aviation sectors. 

“DIG was founded on the premise that great architecture is a right, not a privilege, and should profoundly impact community equity and wellness,” said DIG’s Principal Swarupa Samant. “To have our first major assignment in the Lehigh Valley be a project as visionary as the Allentown School District’s Family & Community Resource Center is a privilege. This building is designed to bridge the gap between education and essential human services, creating a welcoming and compassionate ‘front door’ for every family entering the district.” 

Designed to respond directly to the holistic needs of the surrounding community, the facility’s key features include: 

• Integrated Health Services: The center will be a resource for physical, dental and mental health services, as well as immunizations and telehealth. 
• Workforce & Adult Education: In collaboration with the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, the facility offers dedicated space for ESL classes, resume building and career resources. 
• Streamlined Enrollment: The center will house the District’s central registration staff, relocating this vital administrative function into a supportive, community-centered environment. 

Partially funded through a Multi-Purpose Community Facilities grant, the $11M project is slated for completion in December 2026. In addition to prioritizing neighborhood connectivity, utilizing modern, light-filled spaces that emphasize health, wellness and accessibility, DIG is eliminating once-inherent barriers to entry and streamlining access to essential services that enhance overall quality of life for all residents.