Has your student shown interest in gaining hands-on career training while still in high school? Now is the time to act! Our programs fill up quickly, and with competitive enrollment and limited spots available, we encourage interested students to submit their applications as soon as possible. Eligible students include current 9th and 10th graders from all sending schools, plus current 8th grade students from Altoona and Hollidaysburg. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online at gactc.embark.com. Take the first step toward your student's successful future by applying today!

Are you interested in summer employment with the GACTC?

We are hiring two students for the Information Technology department and two students for the

Facilities/Maintenance department.

• Run CAT 6 Cable for multiple areas - Requires ladder climbing and working above ceiling
• Updating computers throughout building - Running windows updates, installing new software
• Re-Imaging computers
• Power washing Chromebooks
• Unboxing and setting up of new computers
• Assisting Custodians with summer room cleaning
• Moving classroom furniture around
• Assisting Maintenance if project requires a helping hand
• Minor Landscaping work outside

If you would like to be considered for summer employment, please complete the GACTC Application using the link below. Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 14, 2025. Applications will then be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled.

Questions can be directed to wbloffice@gactc.edu

March 10th-14th - Mock Interview Week - 8:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

March 18th - Universal Technical Institute Presentation- 9:00am and 1:00pm, for the following programs: Automotive Tech., Automotive/Diesel, Collision Repair, Precision Machining, HVAC/R, Powersports & Equipment, EMET, Welding, and Electrical Trades

March 21st - Co-Op- Report Back Day

March 21st- End of Marking-Period 3

March 27th - Student Showcase - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

March 28th - MP3 WISE Reward Day

April 9th - Adult Education Open House - 5 p.m. - 7p.m.

• Scholarship Opportunities

• Help your GACTC senior unlock their potential with our scholarship opportunities! Each year, we award numerous scholarships to deserving seniors who will continue their education or enter the workforce. All scholarship recipients will be honored at our Senior Awards Banquet on May 8, 2025. Take the first step toward your student's future success by exploring our scholarship database through this link. Make sure to check the scholarships page frequently, as information is updated on a regular basis.

• NOCTI

• April 10th - Performance NOCTI - Baking & Pasty and Culinary Arts Only
• April 15th - Career Readiness NOCTI - All Programs
• April 23rd - Knowledge NOCTI - All Programs
• April 29th - Performance NOCTI - All Programs except Baking & Pastry and Culinary Arts

• Seniors who do not participate in NOCTI are not eligible to attend the Senior Awards Banquet or the Senior Ceremony without pre-approval from Interim Executive Director Nicole Zernick.

• Senior Awards Banquet

• May 8, 2025

• GACTC

• Invitation only

• Senior Ceremony

• May 20, 2025 at 6:00pm

• Blair County Convention Center

• Mandatory practice on May 15, 16, and 19.

• Students will receive their gowns and tickets following the completion of the senior exit survey, which will be completed at the end of each practice session.

• Students will be provided with 3 tickets for the event. Seniors do not need a ticket. If students need additional tickets, they may request extra tickets using this link. Extra tickets will be available on a first come first serve basis.

Happy National Children's Dental Health Month! Students in Ms. Lascoli's Dental Assisting program are learning about Preventive Dentistry this month. The students used disclosing tablets on one another to record how much plaque was left on their teeth after brushing. They then educated one another on the correct way to brush and floss. This is one of their favorite lessons every year.

Students in Mrs. Clingerman’s Health & Medical Science program conducted a scenario lab where they learned how to safely feed impaired patients with therapeutic diets.

Students in the Service Occupations classes welcomed Halle Parsons from Pinnacle Professional Cleaning Services. Halle spoke to the students about the cleaning industry, job interviewing skills, and what they look for in prospective employees.

Seniors in the Carpentry/Construction program have been busy with their senior projects. Students have also been practicing using scaffolding and building an elevator shaft form.

Masonry students recently visited the Masonry Union Local 9 Apprentice School for a career day. Activities included tile grouting and finishing techniques, bricklaying techniques, and tuck point restoration techniques.

The Collision Repair program received a grant from the Collision Repair Education Foundation for new fresh air respirators, a spray gun, and sandpaper valued at $6,000.

Eight students from the Graphic Design program earned their certifications in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign.

During their visit to the Tyrone Paper Mill, the students in the Electrical Trades program got to meet with the electrical maintenance staff and talk about career opportunities at the Tyrone facility. Students also received a brief tour of the facility, which included the factory floor, seeing the new three-phase transformer that was installed this past summer, and a glimpse at the process of developing paper out of recycled paper products.

Congratulations to Khloe Sill who has been selected as the Stuckey Automotive student of the month in February. Khloe is a Junior student from Glendale School District studying in our Dental Assistant Program. This is what Khloe's teacher had to say about her: Khloe is a truly compassionate and dedicated student who consistently goes above and beyond to support her peers. She takes the time to welcome and assist new students, ensuring they feel comfortable and included in the classroom. Over the past month, she has shown remarkable kindness by actively helping struggling students stay on track, offering guidance and encouragement when they need it most. Her patience and willingness to accommodate others demonstrate her leadership and selflessness. Khloe's actions not only create a positive learning environment but also inspire those around her to be supportive and considerate. She is a valuable asset to the classroom, and her kindness does not go unnoticed.

Articulation Agreement creates a path for GACTC students into Saint Francis University Associate of Applied Science

Saint Francis University and the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) recently implemented a new articulation agreement that will allow GACTC high school and postsecondary students to move seamlessly several of the center’s programs into the online Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies offered through Saint Francis University’s Division of Professional Studies.

Under the agreement, students who successfully complete any of GACTC high school or post-secondary programs with 700+ hours can transfer up to 48 credits into the new online A.A.S. in Specialized Studies. That means they only need to take four additional courses through Saint Francis to earn the A.A.S. degree.

Practical Nursing workshops start in January to help prepare students to take the TEAS exam that want to go into the Practical Nursing Program. The TEAS exam is a pre-entrance exam for the PN program. Here is the link where you can register: https://forms.gle/9GPW2LmNjLYxHtd26.

Please click the buttons below to view information.

Are you interested in purchasing GACTC apparel? The GACTC has worked with BSN Sports to set up an online apparel store. Orders can be placed and paid for at any time throughout the school year directly on the website. There are a variety of brands to choose from at different price points. There is no limited quality and orders are shipped directly to your home address. Happy shopping!

If you or someone you know is experiencing a Mental Health Crisis please call: