This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
For State College Area High School students, back to school season includes courses that extend beyond standard math, English and science curriculum. For many high school students, the 2024-25 school year will include career-focused studies in one of the 14 programs State High’s Career and Technical Center offers.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, more than 80 career and technical education centers in the state offer hands-on learning experiences to help students develop skills needed for postsecondary industries. State High allows students to get a jumpstart on learning through the CTC programs, which include:
- Agricultural science
- Architectural drafting and design
- Automotive technology
- Building construction technology
- Business
- Computer science
- Culinary arts
- Diversified occupations
- Early childhood education
- Engineering technology
- Family and consumer science
- Health professions
- Sports therapy and exercise science
- Technology education
“State College Area High School’s Career and Technical Center provides engaging, academically rigorous and career-focused coursework in 14 programs of study from a wide variety of content areas,” Ben Mordan, CTC director, shared. “This year, we will have more than 1,700 SCASD students enrolled in at least one of our classes. Each program lays out a roadmap for students to navigate educational options and prepare for successfully transitioning into post-secondary education, careers and lifelong learning.”
State High’s CTC program allows students to consider different career fields or college majors by exploring different areas of interest.
“All CTC students receive industry-based training and can obtain industry-recognized certifications and credentials from courses giving them high-level skills and allowing them to pursue high-wage occupations. In addition, students have the option to participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations, as well as earn free and reduced college credits,” Mordan explained.
“Students also can participate in work-based learning experiences, including Cooperative Capstone — paid job placement, clinical placements, internships and teaching assistant positions. These experiences enable select students to extend and reinforce classroom learning to real-world environments.”
In April, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College announced that it signed an articulation agreement with the State College Area School District which will allow State High students to transfer their education credits into the Penn Highlands Community College early childhood education program.
State High’s early childhood education program focuses on basic child development and has an interactive “The Little Lions’ Playroom,” where students participate in a supervised preschool experience.
A maximum of six classes or 16 credits can be transferred towards the Penn Highlands degree, including:
- ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- ECE 105 Education Essentials
- ECE 110 Child Development
- ECE 198 Early Childhood Practicum
- ECE 298 Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood
- EDU 230 Children with Special Needs
“Representatives of post-secondary institutions, businesses and local industries continue to partner with our CTC to provide advice, recommendations and resources that help us continually improve programs. Due to this invaluable collaboration, we can offer top-notch teachers, facilities and partnerships during a perfect time for exploring new opportunities and developing valuable experience,” Mordan said.
“We believe that CTC is an excellent option for all State High students and encourage them to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”
