The mission of the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center is to provide high school students and adult learners a superior career and technical education consistent with accepted academic and skill standards.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

The Pennsylvania School Code of 1949, as amended, authorized the formation of area vocational technical schools. The Altoona Area Vocational-Technical School was founded in 1966 by agreement between the Altoona Area School District and the Bellwood-Antis School District. Thirty years later in 1996 an institutional name change took place. The school is now known as the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC). There are currently seven school districts that jointly sponsor the GACTC.

The board of governance, known as the Joint Operating Committee (JOC), is comprised of eighteen members representing the respective school boards of the seven sponsoring school districts.

The GACTC offers twenty-seven approved secondary programs on a half-day basis and a number of full time adult "Career in a Year" programs. An intergenerational initiative also allows adults to enroll in secondary programs.

The GACTC is ISO 9001:2008 certified along with institutional accreditation through the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and the Council on Occupational Education. A number of individual programs meet specific industry skill standards and hold additional certifications.

VISION

The GACTC strives to integrate academic and technical skill instruction for high school students and adult learners as required to achieve industry skill standards. The culture of the school fosters intrinsic motivation and rewards student initiative and teamwork. A premium is placed upon excellence in student achievement in both academic and skill-specific areas of study. Students convey a sense of ownership that reflects the dignity of work well done, thereby increasing a student's opportunity for a fulfilling life through a successful career.

The school envisions a learning environment that is progressive, well maintained, and incorporates innovative technology. Teachers inspire student learning and engage in professional development to enhance teaching skills. Students and staff take pride in personal appearance and embrace the importance of a professional demeanor.

The school serves as an important resource for local business and industry and is viewed as a first option for high school students and adults seeking a viable career path.

SHARED VALUES

• Career and Technical Education is an integral part of public education and plays an important role in economic and workforce development.

• Career and Technical Education requires a safe learning environment that resembles business and industry using state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

• Career and Technical Education integrates theory and skill development with academic standards to develop each student's potential.

• Career and Technical Education prepares students for immediate employment, post secondary articulation, lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. The quality of Career and Technical Education is dependent upon a highly qualified instructional staff committed to continuing professional development.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Greater Altoona Career & Technical Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For information regarding civil rights, grievance procedures or access, contact Title IX Section 504 Coordinator, Daniel Bender, at 1500 Fourth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602-3695 or telephone (814) 946-8457.

If special accommodations are required, please contact the office of the Principal at (814) 946-8457.