Laurel Technical Institute held its Fall graduation on September 12, 2024, at the Hickory High School Auditorium in Hermitage, PA. Opening comments were given by Doug Decker, VP of Operations at Laurel Institutes, then Campus President, Lauren Chaney, presented the Degrees and Diplomas to the graduates. 52% of the September 2024 graduating class have accepted an employment offer within their program of study. The following students were recognized for the following programs:

Degree Programs:

Cardiovascular Technology

Hailey Boozer

Haylee Clark

Ashley Freeman

Ainsley Hall

Jordan Litwiler

Allison Sauerwein

Eli Yereb

 

Medical Billing and Coding

Erika Wimer

 

Medical Office Administration

Savannah Turner

 

Network Administration and Security

Aaron Dennis

Chad Fullum

Jacob Reinhart

Michael Vallas

Diploma Programs:

Cosmetology

Vincent Altany

Izabelle Beichner

Taylor Boulding

Kyra Brown

Hannah Coyer

Sierra Crawford

Reiley Gordon

Madison Kreider

Madison Moody

Zhanna Ray

Makenna Reavis

Caidence Sloss

Oriana Smith

Culinary Arts

Marissa Austin

Zane Chavers

Melvin Osorto

Esthetics & Nail Technician

Tiarra Cacho

Amya Hall

Keyonna Lockhart

Sa’Mya Moore

Kelly Vanepps

Jade Wagner

Welding & Fabrication

Jenna Argiro

Brooke Bryson

Savannah Hinkle

Hunter Jones

Jeremiah Marol

Alexander Rice

Elijah Smith

Heather Sternthal

George Troyer

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.

Community Action Partnership of Mercer County (CAPMC) as the grantee for the Whole Home Repair Program (WHRP) is making a Workforce Development Investment and awarding $300,000 to Laurel Technical Institute (LTI).  Eligible students enrolled in the Electrical Technician program will be provided with a $7500 tuition scholarship to be used to reduce their tuition debt. The partnership with Laurel Technical Institute will provide electrical training, apprenticeships, and job placement through committed employer partnerships related to improving the habitability and performance of homes. 

In March of 2023, Community Action Partnership of Mercer County (CAPMC) became the recipient of $1,409,640 to implement the Whole Home Repair Program (WHRP) funded through the PA Department of Development.  There are two major prongs to the program, Home Repairs and Workforce Development. CAPMC distributed 300 applications across Mercer County and has received 180 applications from homeowners who are in need of repairs to their homes. 

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in repairs (not remodeling) to their homes, repairs must bring the property up to standards and correct any existing deficiencies or hazards. The goal is to make the house habitable, improve energy and efficiency, and/or improve accessibility to or within the home. Currently there are 3 completed homes and 21 that are in the process of completion.

Funding for this project is provided by the PA Department of Development Whole Home Repair Program to invest in workforce development programs that will connect trainees to training, apprenticeships and jobs through committed employer partnerships related to improving the habitability and performance of homes.

Wilma Torres, the CEO of CAPMC, states that the investment in LTI’s students will help to reduce the debt burden as they graduate and go into the workforce. “We need to share interest and retention of not only college students but those  in the trades to grow and stay in Mercer County, these talents are often forgotten but they prove to be a part of the foundation of a City or Counties existence.” 

LTI’s 16-month Electrical Technician program provides education and training for future industry trade professionals in Hermitage and surrounding areas. Enrolled students gain skill in Residential Wiring, Low Voltage Wiring, and develop an understanding for maintenance and installation. “Electricians are in demand now more than ever. We live in a world where the demand for blue collar jobs is growing, so the need for training is higher. This opportunity is a great way to offer education to eligible students in an area where jobs are available.   ” says Justin Caldwell, Laurel’s Director of Trades.

Laurel has a well-equipped lab space spanning 2,000 sq feet at the Hermitage campus, along with additional theory classrooms, that students utilize throughout the program to prepare them for equipment repair and installation, certifications, and critical thinking. Students begin skill development within the first semester of the Electrical Technician program, allowing for more hands-on productivity and understanding. “American tradesman, Mike Rowe, recently stated that in the last ten years, for every five tradesmen that retire, only two replace them, ” states Douglas Decker, Executive Vice President of Operations of Laurel Institutes, “we think that presents a great need for educated workers in the skilled trades sector. Laurel’s goal is to become part of the fabric in the communities we serve to build sustainable educational programming that meets the needs of both the employers and our graduates. The investment that Community Action Partnership of Mercer County (CAPMC) is making for current and future students is so important.”

Please join Laurel in congratulating Lauren Chaney on her recent promotion to Campus President at the Hermitage, PA campus! Lauren began her journey at Laurel as a Human Resources Assistant and shortly after moved to Director of Education, then Assistant Campus Director.

Lauren has been a wonderful, and helpful representative of Laurel for all employees and students. She has taken on a variety of high-level challenges already in her young career, such as reaccreditation visits, PDE reviews, new program submissions, and student issues, and she’s more than ready for the next chapter. Lauren holds a Master of Education degree, and was recognized by the Shenango Valley in the 30 under 40 awards in the spring of 2023. Laurel is excited to offer our congratulations and thanks!

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Laurel Technical 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:

• Contessa Adamo – Esthetics/Nail Technician
• Jenna Argiro – Welding & Fabrication
• Izabelle Beichner – Cosmetology
• Wesley Brantner – Welding & Fabrication
• Benjamin Brown – Electrical Technician
• Malaiah Burns – Welding & Fabrication
• Kayla Chmelik – Respiratory Therapy
• Hannah Coyer – Cosmetology
• Sierra Crawford – Cosmetology
• Aaron Dennis – Network Administration & Security
• Maureen Dora – Welding & Fabrication
• Jennilyn Ferguson – Respiratory Therapy
• Tegan Frampton – Network Administration & Security
• Anthony Frasure – Electrical Technician
• Ella Gallo – Esthetics/Nail Technician
• Shaye Graham – Cardiovascular Technology
• Nathan Grubb – Welding & Fabrication
• Rowan Hall – Cosmetology
• Jayla Ham – Esthetics/Nail Technician
• Taylor Heriger – Cosmetology
• Savannah Hinkle – Welding & Fabrication
• Hayley Hites – Respiratory Therapy
• Robin Howells – Respiratory Therapy
• Madison Kreider – Cosmetology
• Scott Kurtz – Welding & Fabrication
• Blair Langos – Master Teacher of Cosmetology
• Anna Mailliard – Esthetics/Nail Technician
• Michelle Martin – Welding & Fabrication
• Peyton Mazzant – Cosmetology
• Kylee McIntyre – Respiratory Therapy
• Jonathan Melhorn – Electrical Technician
• Madison Moody – Cosmetology
• Zoei O’Brien – Culinary Arts
• Alexander Rice – Welding & Fabrication
• Maegan Russell – Cosmetology
• Bryan Sinkus – Electrical Technician
• Hailee Stinedurf – Cosmetology
• Michael Vallas – Network Administration & Security
• Michael Wade – Electrical Technician
• Kendall Wansack – Cosmetology
• Tyler Welsh – Network Administration & Security
• John Zawacki – Electrical Technician

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

• Joseph Arana – Electrical Technician
• Marissa Austin – Culinary Arts
• William Bork – Computer Network Security Technician
• Brooke Bryson – Welding & Fabrication
• Victoria Delgado – Culinary Arts
• Sydney Evanko – Respiratory Therapy
• David Heaberlin – Electrical Technician
• Jacob Kytchak – Computer Network Security Technician
• Ja’Kendra Langford – Electrical Technician
• Noel McMuldren – Network Administration & Security
• Dajunonna Mikulin – Cardiovascular Technology
• Luke Mild – Electrical Technician
• Autumn Mills – Cosmetology
• Alana Myers – Esthetics/Nail Technician
• Kenneth Nalepa – Culinary Arts
• Erin Phibbs – Respiratory Therapy
• Madison Pipes – Respiratory Therapy
• Zhanna Ray – Cosmetology
• Allison Sauerwein – Respiratory Therapy
• Oriana Smith – Cosmetology
• Maxwell Tiber – Computer Network Security Technician

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

• Callie Adams – Cardiovascular Technology
• Danielle Brubaker – Respiratory Therapy
• Arabella Cook – Respiratory Therapy
• Mackenzie Davis – Cardiovascular Technology
• Aahleyah Diffenbacher – Esthetics/Nail Technician
• Madisyn Duck – Cardiovascular Technology
• Breanna Hanley – Cardiovascular Technology
• Kelvin Henry – Electrical Technician
• Jessica Hunt – Respiratory Therapy
• Bailey Lindauer – Respiratory Therapy
• Jeremiah Marol – Welding & Fabrication
• Alexis McLoskey – Esthetics/Nail Technician
• Ava Mott – Cardiovascular Technology
• Melvin Osorto – Culinary Arts
• Leticia Rea – Respiratory Therapy
• Caidence Sloss – Cosmetology
• Madison Soukovich – Cardiovascular Technology
• Kelly Vanepps – Esthetic/Nail Technician
• Anthony Yauger – Respiratory Therapy

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.

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Laurel Technical Institute has announced the launch of its new hands-on, campus-based Culinary Arts specialized associate degree program. This program is now elevated from a diploma to a 16-month AS degree designed for those seeking an accelerated, college-level curriculum with a culinary and restaurant focus. Laurel’s new Associate of Specialized Business Degree in Culinary Arts is exclusively available at the Sharon, PA satellite campus at 200 Sterling Avenue. The degree can be completed in 16 months with 63-credits.

The degree program will be taught on campus, 3 days a week, and is composed of four semesters. The degree program features 400 hours of targeted general education and career development courses to prepare students of the program to understand the dynamics of their future careers. It will continue the integral use of on and off-site internship courses, broadening the development of skills and understanding of the field. Laurel’s updated degree program will include courses in Baking, Pastry & Dessert Essentials, American Regional Cuisines, Introduction to Hospitality Management, and International Cuisines. “At Laurel, our goal is to provide each student with an ever evolving opportunity for growth and education,” said Laurel’s Executive Vice President, Douglas Decker, PhD. “We wanted to provide the opportunity for students to gain essential culinary arts skills in a more developed setting.”

Laurel’s updated Culinary Arts program includes updated curriculum including:

Specialized Culinary Courses

• Lessons in fundamental cooking techniques including roasting, braising, grilling, sautéing, and the preparation of stocks and sauces
• A deep dive into the essential flavor profiles and classic international dishes
• The art of cooking through theory, technique, palate development, and teamwork
• Education in the fundamentals of pastry and baking, which can be applied to sweet and savory cooking, restaurants and catering
• The on-site C.H.E.F.S Garden, sponsored by Buhl Mansion, provides a unique live-garden lab promoting culinary horticulture education and food sustainability where students experience a more comprehensive and holistic approach to our food ecosystem

Restaurant & Culinary Management

• Lessons on the interplay between concept development, menu design, pricing and profitability
• A deep dive into the basics of cost control and restaurant accounting, including the development of a business plan
• On-campus student run restaurant that operates for the public during the week providing real-world restaurant experience, catering, and event management from the classroom

Culinary Education & Career Exploration

• Exploration of the interconnections between cuisine, historical events and international locations, and the growth of America’s culinary culture
• Lessons in the connection between personal, professional and financial goals to examine how they contribute to career and personal success, as well as the importance of leadership and team-building
• Courses in written and verbal communication skills as they relate to recipe writing, reviewing, food blogging and culinary demonstrations
• Education on the basics of nutrition and the relationship between diet, health, nutrients and how a culinary professional can use this knowledge
• Required 400-hour off-site internship placements
• Exciting and informative fields trips to a variety of culinary destinations, from Clevlan to the Laurel Highlands

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the American Culinary Federation’s Certified Culinarian exam, showcasing their professionalism and readiness for the industry. An ACF certification validates knowledge and skills, making the culinarian a more valuable candidate for the workforce. Laurel has Premier Employer Partnerships with local restaurants to promote and strengthen employer/educator relationships to enhance the workforce of our local community. Local partnerships for the Culinary Arts program include The Avalon Country Club, Joy Baking Group, and The Grand Resort. These partnerships are a great pathway for students and graduates of Laurel’s Culinary Arts program to experience internships during their education and potential career placement upon graduation!

Front Row L-R Tegan Frampton, Hailee Steindurf, Ella Gallo, Anna Mailliard, Alana Myers, Isaak Schon, Rowan Hall, Krista Anzevino, Michelle Martin, Haylee Urey, Blair Langos, Isabella Pebbles, Jennilynn Ferguson

Middle Row L-R Leticia Rea, Madison Pipes, Aahleyah Diffenbacher, Taylor Heriger, Contessa Adamo, Alexis McLoskey, Katherin Kish, Michael Wade, Jonathan Melhorn, Scott Kurtz, Erin Bobby, Alene Smith, Victoria Delgado, Kenneth Nalepa, Sydney Evanko, Erin Phibbs

Back Row L-R Evan Owens, Noel McMuldren, Tyler Welsh, Hayden Gould, Angel Sanchez, DeAsia Whitehead, Julian Scarbrough, Matthew Ammann

Laurel Technical Institute held its Summer graduation on May 9, 2024, at the Hickory High School Auditorium in Hermitage, PA. Opening comments were given by Doug Decker, VP of Operations at Laurel Institutes, then Director of Education, Lauren Chaney, presented the Degree and Diplomas to the graduates. 60% of the May 2024 graduating class have accepted an employment offer within their program of study.

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

Degree Programs:

Accounting and Business Administration

• Isaak Schon
• Alene Smith

Electrical Technician

• Benjamin Brown
• Jonathan Melhorn
• Angel Sanchez
• Michael Wade

Medical Laboratory Technician

• Krista Anzevino
• Melissa Dillen

Network Administration and Security

• Tegan Frampton
• Hayden Gould
• Noel McMuldren
• Evan Owens
• Tyler Welsh

Respiratory Therapy

• Erin Bobby
• Sydeny Evanko
• Jennilyn Ferguson
• Erin Phibbs
• Madison Pipes
• Leticia Rea
• Julian Scarbrough

Diploma Programs:

Cosmetology

• Rowan Hall
• Taylor Heriger
• Hailee Stinedurf

Culinary Arts

• Matthew Ammann
• Victoria Delgado
• Kenneth Nalepa

Esthetics & Nail Technician

• Contessa Adamo
• Aahleyah Diffenbacher
• Ella Gallo
• Jayla Ham
• Cameron Harker
• Katherine Kish
• Anna Mailliard
• Alexis McLoskey
• Sa’Mya Moore
• Alana Myers
• Isabella Pebbles
• Haylee Urey

Master Teacher of Cosmetology

• Blair Langos

Welding & Fabrication with Pipeline Technology

• Joshua Bender
• Scott Kurtz
• Michelle Martin
• Christopher Smith
• De’Asia Whitehead

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.

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