ADULT EDUCTION IS MOVING FORWARD

(December 5, 2008)... Whether you want to learn more about computers, becoming an electrician or being an x-ray technician, you can learn these skills and more through the Adult Education Department at the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC). Programs of study offered at the ICTC are Practical Nursing, Cosmetology (General, Teacher and Esthetic Skin care programs), Allied Health (Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, Medical Secretary, Medical Coding and Billing, Chiropractic Assistant and Veterinary Technician), Trade and Technical (Welding, Machining Technology, Carpentry, Masonry, Automotive Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Culinary Arts, Electrical Occupations, Digital Media Technology, Graphics and Electronic Media, Computer Systems Technology (Network Tech III, A+ Certification, Network+ Certification, Server+ and Security+ Certifications) and basic and advanced Computer Applications (Microsoft Suite). 

“In an effort to address the workforce development needs of the community, the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) is pleased to announce school-wide accreditation of program areas which will serve the post secondary and educational needs of adult students in Indiana County”, according to Director Carol Fry. Effective August, 2008, the ICTC was accredited by the Department of Education. The ICTC is one of only twelve Career and Technology Centers in Pennsylvania thus far to achieve accreditation status.

In achieving program accreditation, the ICTC is now able to register programs with Title IV, which makes available federal financial assistance to eligible students. Students enrolled in programs exceeding 300 clock hours will be eligible for Low Interest Student Loans, and students enrolled in courses exceeding 600 clock hours will be eligible for Pell Grants.  “Prior to this accreditation, funding was always limited, and we have seen a further decrease in moneys available from alternate sources over the past year”, states Mary Yarnal, Adult Education Coordinator.

The accreditation is a school-wide accreditation with 25 programs determined eligible for financial aid.  Currently 13 evening adult courses and 12 daytime intergenerational courses of study have been approved for financial aid beginning as fall classes get underway.  Additional programs will be added to the list of those eligible for financial aid as the demand increases.  

ICTC Director, Carol Fry commented that “The ICTC is always focused on educating for the competitive edge; the accreditation will allow more adult students to access educational funding and acquire the necessary skills that local employers are demanding.” Most programs will generate a diploma, though some result in industry certifications. 

The ICTC continues to have other short-term certification programs available such as a state certified Nurse Aide Training Program, Residential and Commercial Wiring, Basic Carpentry, ServSafe, State Vehicle Inspection (Categories I-IV), CPR, Animal CPR, Cake Decorating, Floral Design and ICTC’s famous culinary series known as Chef’s Tour. While these programs are not eligible for financial aid, they often help move participants up the career ladder or provide personal enrichment.

In other exciting news for the adult education program, they just landed a two-year contract with Halliburton. The ICTC will act as a training facility for new employees. The training is an 80 hour training program, consisting of eight 10 hour days. The program for entry-level workers is quite rigorous and it covers a wide range of Safety training for new Halliburton employees.

“I am so pleased that the Department of Education has recognized the adult education programs, including Practical Nursing, as worthy of accreditation status”, states Dianna Rupert, Practical Nursing Coordinator. “This accreditation status, as well as the ability to offer Title IV financial aid, provides the opportunity to change the lives of adults in the community.” With the success of the ICTC’s practical nursing program (to date, 100% pass rate on the state board for two classes), the ICTC is considering the start of a part-time practical nursing program. The full-time program is currently in its third year and the need for a part-time program has been expressed by many individuals inquiring about enrollment.

Another adult education program showing growing success is the Adult Cosmetology Program. The Indiana Cosmetology Academy offers full and part-time classes to interested adults during daytime and evening hours. With the rapid growth of the spa industry, many excellent opportunities are available in this dynamic field.

For more information or to register for classes, call the Adult Education Program at 724.349.6700, ext. 131. 

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