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Keystone Central highlights CTE partnerships, dual‑enrollment that saved families more than $2 million
Summary
Central Mountain High School and the Career & Technical Center told the board that dual‑enrollment, Penn College classes and community co‑ops have produced thousands of college credits and notable tuition savings for local families.
Central Mountain High School and the district Career & Technical Center (CTC) presented data Jan. 16 to the Keystone Central Board of Directors showing growth in dual‑enrollment, industry co‑ops and college‑credit opportunities that district staff said have produced thousands of credits and large tuition savings for families.
The presentation showed Penn College dual‑enrollment, partnerships with Lock Haven University and Lackawanna, and a range of CTC offerings in machining, drafting, construction trades and health occupations. District staff reported that students earned about 909 college credits from Penn College enrollment in one recent year and that, across multiple dual‑enrollment programs over four years, students earned 4,633 credits and the district estimates family tuition savings exceeding $2,000,000.
CTE staff described two paths: cooperative placements (students already in career‑tech training who work with employers) and diversified occupations (students from the academic side placed into workplace learning). Staff said many placements begin once seniors meet school credit requirements and that participating students still attend required theory classes and take end‑of‑year tests. The district also reported roughly 110 active community partnerships used for co‑op, internships and industry exposure.
Presenters described Perkins grant support for some costs, a district obligation to cover textbooks and software, and an existing formula in the Perkins award meant to offset tuition. Staff said the Perkins allocation covers an annual per‑student cost (discussed as the grant's written allowance) while the district covers additional material costs.
Board members asked about pay for students in co‑op placements. Presenters said funding sources vary: some wages come through CareerLink or workforce grants (eligibility‑based), while other employers cover student wages directly. Staff said CareerLink handles fund distribution when wages are paid from workforce grants and that the district and CTE staff work to identify available grant funding and matches.
Board members and presenters discussed space and program growth ahead of the budget cycle. A board member asked the CTE team to brief the facilities committee on space needs if expansion is required. Presenters said the program will continue outreach to middle schools and expand industry visits and summer programming to create earlier exposure to career pathways.
The presentation closed with district staff restating that the combination of CTE courses, dual enrollment and university partnerships allows some students to graduate with the equivalent of up to a year of college credit, which staff said reduces family costs and supports career readiness.
