The GACTC has received a $50,000 Pennsylvania Department of Education grant to purchase new equipment aligned to training students for jobs in high demand. The GACTC received the maximum grant available through the competitive Career & Technical Education Equipment Grant Program, which recently awarded nearly $1.5 million to 39 CTCs and three school districts across the commonwealth.

“The GACTC is always working to provide real-world training that reflects industry standards,” said Nicole Zernick, CTE Coordinator. “This grant allows us to make critical upgrades that will enhance opportunities for our students, so that they’re even better prepared for careers in today’s workforce.”

Grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar from a local source. The GACTC is matching its grant through its local budget so that a full $100,000 is available for updating equipment.

The GACTC plans to use the funding to purchase new equipment for the Dental Assistant and Welding programs as follows:

Dental Assistant program: The Dental Assistant program has had strong enrollment for the past few years based on our graduates’ ability to obtain employment in the field, and/or continue into the Expanded Function Dental Assistant program. New dental X-ray trainers called DXTTRs will be purchased with grant funding. The most realistic substitute for a patient available, DXTTRs provide unlimited, consistent instruction of all types of intraoral radiography, allowing GACTC students to get a competitive edge as they prepare to sit for the Radiation Health and Safety certification.

Welding: The Welding program continues to maintain high enrollment at the GACTC. A new bandsaw and Pro 4-Pack Welders will be purchased with grant funding, which will allow students to develop welding skills to obtain American Welding Society (AWS) certifications.