LAUREL BUSINESS INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE TO LAUREL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

 

UNIONTOWN, P.A., April 10, 2025 – After 40 years, Laurel Business Institute has modernized its name to Laurel Technical Institute. ‘That’s right, LBI is now LTI,’’�� said Doug Decker, COO for the Laurel Institutes. The naming convention for LTI, Laurel Technical Institute, has been part of the Laurel school system since 2009, presiding over their locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania.��

The original Uniontown location has been Laurel Business Institute since its inception in 1985. At that time, the school housed mainly business-related programs, including secretarial studies, accounting, data processing, and others. However, over the years, as technology and the community’s needs in the workforce have evolved, so did Laurel. The school rapidly expanded into computer technology, medical and allied health programs which now includes nursing, cosmetology, skilled trades and many more. Therefore, adopting the name of its sister school made sense for the organization to better align its name with the program offerings.��

The impetus for the change after 40 years, is the addition of a new satellite location of the Uniontown campus in Penn Township located in Northern Westmoreland county. Nancy Decker, President and CEO of the Laurel schools, said that ‘The timing was right with the launch of our new location to bring all of our Pennsylvania schools together under one name.’ Laurel is in the process this spring of updating signage and facades around their three building, 4-acre, 80,000-square-foot campus located downtown. The school plans to hold an open house event later this spring to display their continued commitment to and investment in Fayette County. Later this year, Laurel plans to hold a showcase to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary and recognize alumni and the employer community’s longtime support of the organization.��

 

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,��Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

will Train Students for In-Demand Careers.

 

Export, PA�� (March 21, 2025) – , formerly known as Laurel Business Institute, is opening a new educational facility at 1100 Randall Court, Suite 100, in Export, Penn Township, Westmoreland County.�� A well-known family of post-secondary technical schools founded in Uniontown, PA in 1985, LTI is extending its footprint to the residents of and surrounding areas. Co-located in the Penn Trafford School District’s Administrative building, the satellite location of LTI Uniontown will offer programs such as Electrical Technician, Computer Network Security Technology, and healthcare programs at the new site. The school plans to begin the first classes in May with other class starts in July and September. An Open House will be held on Apr 3, 2025 from 2PM-6PM to offer interested students a glimpse of the new facility, meet faculty and staff and ask questions about their interested program of study.��

“We opened a school in because we learned that the community and employers in the Route 22 corridor are rapidly expanding and in need of more highly trained technical and allied health professionals,” said Nancy Decker, president of Laurel Institutes. “We’re excited about being in this region because of the partnerships that we have forged with Penn Trafford School District and local employers. To sustain the growth in the area, the community is in need of skilled technicians so businesses can continue to grow and serve the community’s residents. The community has been extremely welcoming and supportive of this location. Furthermore, being born and raised in Westmoreland County, we felt a strong connection to this area, and it was the perfect fit for us.”

, the Laurel family of schools, including Laurel College of Technology, Laurel Business Institute (LBI), and Laurel Technical Institute (LTI), is a well-known post-secondary technical school organization that offers hands-on training and small class sizes, taught by highly skilled and experienced instructors.��Laurel convenes annual program advisory committees composed of local employer and community stakeholders to evaluate and review the curriculum as well as guide the institution’s development.

In addition to the new Penn Township school, Laurel has four other locations throughout Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia, including Fort Mill, Hermitage, Morgantown, and Uniontown. In addition to licensure by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, Laurel is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools under the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the State of West Virginia. Students are eligible to apply to participate in federal and state financial aid programs as the school is accredited nationally by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. In addition, was named as one of the top 25 two-year trade schools by.

Other specialized associate degree programs are offered online through Laurel College of Technology, LBI, and LTI, including Medical Lab Technician, Medical Billing and Coding, Accounting and Business Administration, Cloud Computing, and Early Childhood Education. On-ground programs offered at various Laurel schools include Nursing; Respiratory Therapy; Skilled Trades, such as Electrical and Welding; Cosmetology; Computer Networking; and Culinary Arts. The school has plans to add more programs in the future.

Enrollment for the first class in Penn Township is currently underway, with the next class starting in May 2025.�� Prospective students are invited to visit Laurel’s website, , to schedule a personal tour of the new facility Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ��

Conveniently located in Bushy Run Corporate Park,�� Laurel Technical Institute is a short drive from the intersection of Route 22 and Route 66 in Export, PA.�� For more information, visit��www.laurel.edu or call 724-439-4900.

 

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Technical Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,��Laurel has over 525 current students and 5,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

Our Esthetics students had the steam rolling and the creativity flowing! They worked on some facial skills after a morning of decorating the classroom for spooky season! They did a great job on both!

Thank you to everyone who donated to the PN Book Drive! Thanks to your donations, our PN students were able to enjoy a day of giving back to the community by reading and donating books to local preschool students at Rainbow Dreams Daycare/Preschool in Uniontown.

Laurel Business Institute held graduation on September 19th, 2024, at the State Theater in Uniontown, PA. Opening comments were given by Nancy Decker, President and CEO of Laurel Institutes, “Graduation is a time of new beginnings and we are always excited to celebrate this time with you because we know that it took hard work and dedication for you each to get here,” says Decker.

Assistant Campus Director,McKenna Gower, recognized the class Valedictorians, Brooke Clark, Madison Gibson, Luke McCullah, Amber Ravenscroft, and Christine Specht. Salutatorians Bonnie Benco and Emily Brentensky were also recognized. Next to be recognized were the September 2024 Distinguished Graduates, McKenna Hilling, Madison Gibson, and Amber Ravenscroft, all three were also recognized for membership into the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society. Laurel Business Insitute’s Assistant Campus Director, McKenna Gower, then presented the Degree and Diplomas to the graduates. The Career Services department reported that 66% of the September 2024 graduating class have accepted employment offers within their program of study. The following students were awarded Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas in the following programs:��

 

Degree Programs:

Cloud Computing Technology��

Mason Tharp

 

Early Childhood Education

Nicole Gregg

 

Electrical Technician��

Ontario Jones

 

Medical Office Administration��

Savannah Turner

 

Network Administration & Security��

Alexander C. Abedejos

Chase Hicks

 

Diploma Programs:

Clinical Medical Assistant��

McKenna Hilling

Jacob Robison

Christie Specht

Madison Vojtkofsky

 

Cosmetology��

Adriana Allen Angelo

Bonnie Lee Benco

Emily Marie Brestensky

Madison Morgan Gibson

Devyn Harris

Lillyann Germaine Horvath

Cassidy Brook Zelasko

Adalina Elizabeth Zolbrod

 

Esthetics & Nail Technician

Faith Andrews

Keristen R. Harris

Alaina Petrosky

Amber Ravenscroft

Alicia M Rimbey

 

Nail Technician��

Samantha Grim

Nina Moreland

 

Welding & Fabrication

Truman Philip Avery

Hunter James Brangard

Brooke Clark

Olivia Fairbee

Luke McCullah

Heath Randolph II

 

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,��Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

Laurel Business Institute is pleased to announce our Dean’s List recipients for the Spring 2024 Semester:

HAVING EARNED A GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 4.0 TO 3.8 TO BE ON THE HIGHEST HONORS DEAN’S LIST:

• Ariana Angelo – Cosmetology
• Hannah Barron – Cosmetology
• Bonnie Benco – Cosmetology
• Anthony Beveloque-Roll – Computer Network Security Technician
• McKena Bolish – Cosmetology
• Hunter Brangard – Welding & Fabrication
• Emily Brestensky – Cosmetology
• Brooke Clark – Welding & Fabrication
• Rashidi Dennis – Welding & Fabrication
• Madison Gibson – Cosmetology
• Benjamin Ginnelly – Welding & Fabrication
• Jonathan Hanson – Electrical Technician
• Bryce Harn – Computer Network Security Technician
• Chasity Horne – Cosmetology
• Lillyann Horvath – Cosmetology
• Holly Huffine – Electrical Technician
• Riley Jenkins – Computer Network Security Technician
• Joel LeBlanc – Welding & Fabrication
• Brandee Malone – Cosmetology
• Luke McCullah – Welding & Fabrication
• McKenna Mitchell – Cosmetology
• Matalyn Mowry – Welding & Fabrication
• Alaina Petrosky – Esthetic/Nail Technician
• Heath Randolph – Welding & Fabrication
• Amber Ravenscroft – Esthetic/Nail Technician
• Trevor Sipe – Electrical Technician
• Braydon Smith – Welding & Fabrication
• Mason Snyder – Electrical Technician
• Christie Specht – Clinical Medical Assistant
• Cassidy Zelasko – Cosmetology

HAVING EARNED A GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 3.79 TO 3.5 TO BE ON THE HIGH HONORS DEAN’S LIST:

• Alexander Abadejos – Network Administration & Security
• Salena DeLuca – Clinical Medical Assistant
• Sara Dodson – Cosmetology
• Michael Evans – Computer Network Security Technician
• Olivia Fairbee – Welding & Fabrication
• McKenna Hilling – Clinical Medical Assistant
• Ross Kowing – Computer Network Security Technician
• Timothy Miller – Electrical Technician
• Kyle Piroch – Electrical Technician
• Samatha Provident – Cosmetology
• Eric Reed – Computer Network Security Technician
• Alicia Rimbey – Esthetic/Nail Technician
• Jacob Robison – Clinical Medical Assistant
• Madison Vojtkofsky – Clinical Medical Assistant
• Elizabeth Warnick – Cosmetology

HAVING EARNED A GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 3.49 TO 3.25 TO BE ON THE HONORS DEAN’S LIST:

• Matthew DeSimone – Respiratory Therapy
• Noah Friday – Electrical Technician
• Caden Maskil – Electrical Technician
• Nikolas Swarz – Electrical Technician
• Gabrielle Sellers – Cosmetology
• Adalina Zolbrod – Cosmetology

Several students also received the following awards:

HAVING EARNED PERFECT ATTENDANCE:

• Adriana Angelo – Cosmetology
• Bonnie Benco – Cosmetology
• Hunter Brangard – Welding & Fabrication
• Emily Brestensky – Cosmetology
• Brooke Clark – Welding & Fabrication
• Sarah Clites – Respiratory Therapy
• Matthew DeSimone – Respiratory Therapy
• Madison Gibson – Cosmetology
• Kaylee Gluvna – Respiratory Therapy
• Jonathan Hanson – Electrical Technician
• Riley Jenkins – Computer Network Security Technician
• Brandee Malone – Cosmetology
• Caden Maskil – Electrical Technician
• Luke McCullah – Welding & Fabrication
• Kevin Morrison – Respiratory Therapy
• Nikolas Schwarz – Electrical Technician
• Trevor Sipe – Electrical Technician
• Christie Specht – Clinical Medical Assistant
• Whitney Wise – Respiratory Therapy

HAVING EARNED COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS:

• Michael Evans – 1 hour – Computer Network Security Technician
• Bryce Harn – 1 hour – Computer Network Security Technician
• Riley Jenkins – 1 hour – Computer Network Security Technician
• Jesse Leone – 1 hour – Computer Network Security Technician
• Eric Reed – 1 hour – Computer Network Security Technician
• Brayden Tajc – 1 hour – Computer Network Security Technician

Congratulations to these hardworking students!

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Laurel has over 500 current students and 4,800 alumni across approximately 25 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

# # #

Bottom Row (right to left): Cordell Aldrich, Karen Kern, Ashlee Dalton, Chane Thompson, Kathryn Barch, Phillip Steve, Heather Rodeheaver, Kenzie Whipkey, Nicholas Michael, Heather Yoder, Mayla Berrios, Rodney Ohler, Autumn Shaulis, Samantha Tarr, Ellie Suich, Kendall Snyder, Morgan Holloway, Cheyenne Deal, Jennifer Shumar, Danielle Booker, Sara Stroder, Maranda Hanlin

Middle Row (right to left): Amanda Thompson, Brittany Jackson, Renee Dingle, Miranda Kleitz, Kylah Richardson, Rebecca Mattoon, Christina Upton, Kima Harris, Avory Pratt

Top Row (right to left): Jayda Johson, Adrienne Sisler, Chayse DaCosta, Bria Lewis, Celene Gowton, Holly Lesko, Ariona Woods, Jessica Rice, Erika Keffer, Natasha Young. Victoria Robinson, Deeva Ritz

Laurel Business Institute held graduation on May 23, 2024, at the State Theater in Uniontown, PA. Opening comments were given by Nancy Decker, President and CEO of Laurel Institutes, “Graduation is one of my favorite parts of the year, because I know that it took hard work and dedication for you each to get here, and I enjoy celebrating this moment of new beginnings with you!”

Campus President, Bonnie Marsh, recognized the class Valedictorians, Mayla Berrios, Rodney Ohler, Autumn Shaulis, Emilie Wilson, and Heather Yoder. Salutatorians we also recognized, Nicholas Michael, Kenzie Whipkey, and Heather Rodenheaver. Next to be recognized were the May 2024 Distinguished Graduates, Kenzie Whipkey, Mayla Berrios, Karen Kern, Philip Steve, Ellie Suich, and Smantha Tarr. Laurel Business Insitute’s Director of Education, McKenna Gower, then presented the Degree and Diplomas to the graduates. The Career Services department reported that 42% of the May 2024 graduating class have accepted employment offers within their program of study.

The following students were awarded Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas in the following programs:

Degree Programs:

Accounting & Business Administration

• Jessica Craig
• Issak Schon
• Alene Smith
• Kenzie Elizabeth Whipkey

Early Childhood Education

• Chayse Landon DaCosta

Electrical Technician

• Mayla Berrios
• Nicholas Michael

Network Administration & Security

• Emmanuel Reed
• Ellie Suich
• Zachary Thomas

Respiratory Therapy

• Kira Baird
• Kathryn Barch
• Danielle Booker
• Riley M. Davis
• Maranda Ann Hanlin
• Morgan L. Holloway
• Sara Stroder
• Chane Thompson

Diploma Programs:

Clinical Medical Assistant

• Erkia Lynn Keffer
• Jessica Rice
• Christina Marie Upton

Cosmetology

• Kima Harris
• Ariona Rachelle Woods

Esthetics & Nail Technician

• JaiLynn Call
• Celene Gowton
• Karen Kern
• Holly Lesko
• Avory Pratt
• Autumn ShaulisEmilie Wilson

Massage Therapy

• Bria Korynn Lewis
• Rebecca Ann Mattoon
• Kylah Raelyn Richardson
• Heather Marie Rodeheaver
• Heather Kaylene Yoder

Nail Technician

• Renee Dingle
• Miranda Jo Kleitz

Practical Nursing

• Ashlee Nicole Dalton
• Cheyenne L. Deal
• Brittany R. Jackson
• Jayda Chantel Johnson
• Michaela Philips
• Deeva Paige Ritz
• Victoria Robinson
• Jennifer Shumar
• Adrienne N Sisler
• Kendall Snyder
• Samantha Marie Tarr
• Amanda Lorraine Thompson
• Natasha Young

Welding & Fabrication with Pipeline Technology

• Cordell Aldrich
• Rodney Wayne Ohler Jr.
• Philip Andrew Steve

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

# # #

Laurel Business Institute in Uniontown, PA is excited to welcome women of the community to their free one-night workshop on April 4th, 2024 for their trade programs. The event will be held from 4 – 7 PM in their Trades building, participants should arrive at the main campus, located at 11 E Penn Street, Uniontown, PA for the event. Participants are limited to the first 14 to sign up, so make sure you RSVP through the registration link below!

Laurel Skilled Trade Instructors will begin with a short welcome and introduction on basic safety and a brief history of the Electrical and Welding industries. Participants will then be split out into groups for 1-hour sessions in each department. Program instructors will do quick demonstrations and then give you the reins to get some hands-on experience! Whether you’re learning to replace a home receptacle or melt metal on metal, you’re bound to have a good time!

Use the QR code below to register. Please keep in mind participants must be 18 yrs or older to attend. Make sure to register by March 26th!

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library project began in Fayette County in 2007, with the goal of providing one book a month to children from birth through 5 years of age. The program passed the 100,000 books delivered milestone at the end of the 2021 calendar year. The program is funded each year with its Annual Golf Outing. In its 12th year, the Annual Golf Outing is scheduled Friday, July 28 at Duck Hollow Golf Course and is open to the public for registrations, donations, and volunteers. This single event funds the nearly 500 children in the Uniontown area who benefit from the literacy initiative. Children in the program receive a book a month, mailed directly to them. Specific themes containing age-appropriate characteristics have been developed for each year a child receives books, which are listed below.

Fayette County has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the state of Pennsylvania. Imagination Library seeks to improve the literacy rate and help the children of this county be prepared for school and work. Its goals are to promote a love of reading and learning; regard for diversity of people, their roles, culture, and environment; promotion of self-esteem and confidence, appreciation of art and aesthetics. It also seeks to promote literacy among the families by providing opportunities for parents and children to read together.

The original goal was to have a continuous enrollment of 500 children in the Uniontown a School District. Imagination Library partnered with the Redstone Foundation of Fayette County to administer the funds and with the Uniontown Public Library to handle the operational aspects of the program. To date the chapter has exceeded their goal and currently have over 500 children enrolled and receiving books monthly. If this year’s fundraising goals are met, the chapter plans to expand to include the Brownsville area.

The Annual Golf Tournament at Duck Hollow is the main fundraiser for the year. The proceeds help to sustain and expand the program. This year’s event will again be held at Duck Hollow Golf Course on Friday, July 28 at 9 a.m. You can scan the QR code below to download the flier and register or donate today. Your support of this event is very much appreciated and will benefit the children in Fayette County.

Children Enrolled:

• 2022: 553
• 2021: 658
• 2020: 770
• 2019: 857

 

Curriculum Themes:

Year 1:

• Vision – bright, big, colorful
• Touch – board pages
• Rhyme and rhythm
• Simple – easy to use
• Minimal text – point and say
• Playful sound
• Nurture – attachment- lullaby themes

Year 2:

• Continue concepts from year one and build upon them
• Repetition and predictability – generate language
• Motor skills
• “Self-help” activities – things children can do, things familiar in their daily life
• Use of real photo illustration
• Body awareness
• Nursery rhymes
• Colors, letters, numbers

Year 3:

• Wordless books – build your own story (reader and child)
• Values and character
• Issues – fear, conflict, love, safety
• Colors, letters, numbers
• Nursery rhymes

Year 4:

• More complex stories – hero, complication, resolution
• Diversity of others – faces, environment – OK to be different
• Play, humor, fun
• Nursery rhymes and poetry

Year 5:

• School preparation and readiness
• Use rebus (pictures used for words)
• Science – non-fiction
• Folk tales
• Thank you, appreciation
• Rhymes and poetry

Imagination Library provides one book per month to children from birth through the age of five years.�� One component of Workforce Development is having a trained and educated workforce in Fayette County.�� It is imperative that adults are able to read and write which is why literacy is so important.���� It starts at birth and the first five years of a child’s life set the stage for future learning, educational development, and workforce preparation.�� Imagination Library is an important step in that process.�� With proceeds generated from our annual fundraisers, we will be able to sustain and possibly increase the number of children served, with the goal of continuing to provide a trained workforce for the future of Fayette County.