ADULT EDUCATION IS MOVING FORWARD

(January 22, 2010)...  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, Medical Transcription, EKG Technician, Medical Secretary and Medical Coding and Billing), Trade and Technical (Welding Technology, Highway Construction, Automotive and Electrical), Computer Systems Technology (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.  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, Phlebotomy, Residential and Commercial Wiring, ServSafe, State Vehicle Inspection (Categories I-IV), 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.

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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