CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION: In the past, Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools were considered an alternative form of education for those who were not academically inclined. It was also a commonly held belief that technical education was limiting and would not lead to a high-paying job or a good career.

TIMES HAVE CHANGED: Today, Career and Technical Education has a reputation of excellence. technical jobs are always the first needed when new technology and science is implemented into the workplace. This is why nearly half of the jobs on the market today require advanced training short of a four-year degree. Technical education does not limit you; you can always continue your education towards a bachelor's degree, often with money in your pocket and your employer's help.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY: Programs of Study (POS) are designed to provide students with the recommended academic and technical courses needed for employment in a Pennsylvania High Priority Occupation:

• Prepare high school graduates for postsecondary education, apprenticeships, or entry into the workforce in their career related field
• Identify relevant secondary academic and technical courses required for postsecondary enrollment and/or entry into the workforce
• Align with postsecondary options and offer college credit for specific high school academic and technical courses
• Recognize schools that meet academic and technical program benchmarks
• Prepare all career and technical programs to align with the Pennsylvania High Priority Occupations that support family-sustaining wages
• Focus on preparing students with industry certifications and higher level STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills

 

One of the highlights of the Perkins Act is the requirement for the development and implementation of “career and technical programs of study.” States must develop POS in consultation with local programs, and each local recipient receiving funds under the bill are required to offer the relevant courses of at least one POS. Programs of study are very similar to, and build on, positive initiatives already underway in career and technical education programs around the country, such as Tech Prep, career pathways, career academies, and career clusters. In Pennsylvania, the foundational elements of programs of study are already in place.

SOAR (Students Occupationally and Academically Ready) is built on programs of study which incorporate secondary education and postsecondary education elements and include coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant career and technical content. These career and technical programs of study include a statewide articulation agreement partnership between secondary schools and postsecondary institutions. That is, students that complete a program of study and meet college entrance requirements may receive 9-12 college credit hours.

For more information contact GCCTC or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.

Nondiscrimination Policy

 

The Greene County Career & Technology Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age in its programs or activities. Career and Technical Education program offerings include: Automotive Collision and Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Building and Construction Occupations, Computer Networking Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electrical Occupations, Emergency and Medical Services, Health Assistant, Precision Machining, Welding and Licensed Practical Nursing (adults only). Admission to the programs depends upon availability and class size and sending school districts criteria. Inquires may be directed to the Greene County Career and Technology’s Title IX Coordinator/Assistant Director, Katie Sleasman at [email protected] or the Section 504 Coordinator/Executive Director, Mark Krupa at [email protected]. Inquires can also be sent to 60 Zimmerman Drive, Waynesburg, PA 15370 or you may call 724-627-3106.