Carbon Career & Technical Institute was recognized for its academic distinction with a 2018 Career and Technical Education Excellence Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Education late last month.

CCTI was one of 12 career and technical schools throughout the state that received the award, which recognizes programs that go above and beyond when it comes to preparing students for careers in various trades with hands-on experience.

“Not every student wants to go to college, but there are many job openings in Pennsylvania that require training and skills, and career and technical education is helping to close that skills gap,” Gov. Tom Wolf said.

In order to qualify for the CTE Excellence Award, 75 percent of a school’s students needed to attain an advanced score on an end-of-program technical assessment, signifying that the students are able to comprehend technical skills and safely and effectively perform the duties required for an entry-level job in their field.

CCTI Administrative Director David Reinbold was pleased with the recognition, and hopes that it will inspire prospective students to check out the school.

“These types of awards and recognition continue to prove that our teaching and support staffs are second to none. Any positive recognition helps bring awareness to our school and the opportunities that are available for students who choose to attend CCTI,” Reinbold said.

Reinbold said that the school’s approach to a well-rounded education, including extra- and co-curricular activities, helps to set their students apart from the rest when it comes to the career search.

“There are three major organizations/activities that directly relate to our career and technical curricula — DECA, HOSA and SkillsUSA. Students that participate in these activities have a unique opportunity to develop their skills and prepare for postsecondary opportunities,” he said.

While well-qualified instructors and career-related activities make for a great education, Reinbold said that the students are what really makes CCTI such a distinguished learning institution.

“They come to us from five different sending districts, with a range of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and pull together to achieve their personal goals and the goals that we set for them,” he said. “The effort and commitment I see from our students on a daily basis is inspirational.”