Centre County proclaims February Career and Technical Education Month; local schools highlight new programs
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Summary
The Centre County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Proclamation No. 5 of 2026 declaring February as Career and Technical Education Month. Representatives from State College, CPI and South Hills outlined student enrollment, program highlights and a new respiratory therapy associate-degree program launching this August.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Proclamation No. 5 of 2026 on Jan. 27, declaring February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month in Centre County.
Several local career and technical education providers used the proclamation presentation to outline student outcomes and upcoming programs. ‘‘My name is Jessica Martin. I'm the vice president of CPI's secondary education,’’ Jessica Martin told the board, describing the Central Pennsylvania Institute's role in training a local workforce and introducing two students from CPI's welding and collision‑repair programs.
State College staff reported roughly 1,800 students enrolled in CTE programs and said many of those courses are offered as electives that give high‑school students industry credentials. ‘‘We have about 2,300 students [district‑wide]; a lot of them take CTE electives,’’ a State College representative said during the presentation.
South Hills representatives described the medical assistant program's hands‑on curriculum and clinical partnerships. Bobby Brumbaugh, South Hills' medical assistant coordinator, said recent cohorts achieved ‘‘a 100% employment rating’’ in the past two years and outlined classroom and internship experiences that prepare students for certification and work in local health systems, including Geisinger and Penn Highlands.
Laura Finoccio, introduced as South Hills' respiratory therapy program director, announced a new two‑year associate program starting this August with clinical rotations and affiliate placements. ‘‘We are so excited to announce that we are having our first class in August,’’ Finoccio said, saying the program will help meet growing demand for respiratory therapists.
Commissioners noted county scholarship support for CTE: the county offers $2,000 per year scholarships to CPI and South Hills for eligible Centre County residents who also work for local emergency response organizations. The board also encouraged CTE providers to pursue tourism and community grants where applicable.
The proclamation motion was moved and seconded by commissioners during the meeting and carried by voice vote. The board will continue routine engagement with local CTE providers as the new respiratory therapy class begins this fall term.
