COAL TOWNSHIP - The Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC) will begin to market two new programs to help bring more students to the school to help them prepare for college studies and future careers.
One is a senior college tech program designed to allow seniors to attend NCCTC on a half-day structure in one of the center's 10 program offerings. It is designed to provide flexibility by helping students attain the technical skills needed for college degrees and technical certificates.
"A student who is interested in engineering can take part in HVAC, welding, electrical or automotive. A nursing student can enroll in the health occupations program," said administrator James Monaghan during the NCCTC's operating agency meeting Wednesday night.
The student would attend in the morning or afternoon sessions while completing other courses at their home high school.
"If you have a student who is stuck in a study hall, this will be perfect to come up here instead and get the experience they need," Monaghan said.
The second program was simply called the "Wednesday program," in which college-bound seniors who need training in a technical field can attend NCCTC one afternoon a week, either for a semester or the entire year.
Those students would be expected to keep up with any home-school classes they miss to attend classes at NCCTC.
"I have been talking with the school administrators, and many of them feel (both) programs are worth it for the education of our students," Monaghan said.
Board president Donna James commended Monaghan and students for the pride they are showing in their school.
"I wondered when I came on board how this school was going to market itself. To see the pride that everyone has is wonderful," James said.
Trips approved
In other business, the agency board approved a field trip for the health occupations program to attend the Advance Science Center's exhibit "Bodies Alive" on Dec. 7, and for the automotive technology department to enter the 13th annual Pennsylvania Automotive Association Competition. The top 10 teams in the state will advance to a "hands-on" competition in Hershey on Feb. 21.
Permission was also granted for student council to conduct a "Can the Director" food drive for families in need at Christmas. Students and faculty will bring in non-perishable items and place them in the administrative director's office to force him to leave and relocate to a different office.
In personnel business, the board gave a $300 increase to William Bradley, welding instructor.
Board member Dennis Erdman said Line Mountain School District will donate old heaters and air conditioners for NCCTC's HVAC program.