LEHIGH CAREER & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE - November 3, 2016

The November 3 meeting of Emmaus Rotary Club was held at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute in Schnecksville. Dr. Thomas Rushton, Executive Director of LCTI, was our host for the evening.

Founded in 1971, LCTI provides more than 45 skills-based programs of study, as well as academic instruction for 2,700 students across Lehigh County’s nine public school districts.  LCTI is Pennsylvania’s largest career and technical school.

Clubs members were treated to a delicious dinner prepared by Ashley Hilbert and Michaela Breslin, two very enthusiastic LCTI culinary arts students, and Brock Cahoon, LCTI’s chef.  Following dinner, Dr. Rushton led us on a tour of four of the dozens of LCTI “labs” where students develop skills in their respective areas of study. 

We were privileged to view labs for Culinary Arts, Commercial Baking, Electromechanical/Mechatronics Technology and Pre-Engineering & Engineering Technology. In each space, members were impressed by quality of the spotlessly clean and well-equipped “labs.”  Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to tour other “labs” in LCTI’s nearly 500,000 square foot building.  At each stop, Dr. Rushton emphasized how LCTI’s courses of study prepare its graduates for today’s competitive workplace, as well as their post-secondary education studies. 

This was the first exposure to LCTI for many members.  But, based on comments heard during the tour, everyone was impressed by the facilities and breadth of programs available to our area’s high school students.