PLEASANT GAP — Since the 2014-15 academic year, enrollment in the post-secondary classes at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology has increased by a whopping 63 percent. It is a number that has been consistently growing since CPI’s joint operation committee decided to throw a little more emphasis on adult students in the early 2000s.
This year, with 518 secondary education students and 224 adult learners on the roster, the campus is bursting with activity. With the recent announcement of some heavy state funding and a generous offer by a local businessman, the education facility can loosen its belt a bit to make room for a little expansion.
On Jan. 10, state lawmakers and education officials gathered at the CPI facility to announce a $910,283 grant through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funding will be used to improve roads on the campus and build an access road to the future site of a new health and sciences building.
“We have to thank Sen. Jake Corman and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff for all the work they’ve done to help secure this money,” said Dr. Richard Makin, CPI president. “And we also have to thank Dan Hawbaker, a longtime supporter of our programs, who will generously make the 30 percent match ($435,000) through the CPI Foundation.”
The match will be made through funding and in-kind work donations, making the total amount secured for the project about $1.4 million.
Hawbaker said he made the gesture because he recognizes the importance of the opportunities CPI presents students leaving high school and other adult students who want advanced training in numerous different fields.
“I look at CPI as one of the most important parts of our education system here in Centre County,” said Hawkbaker. “It provides practical job-type training for people who want to better themselves in life. The Hawbaker family and company have been supporters going back many years. I’m glad we’re able to do something and give some leverage to make a difference in local education.”
According to Makin, the lengthy application process came to an end a few weeks ago when he was notified that funding was awarded.
“This has really been in the works for awhile, but we felt pretty good about it throughout the entire process,” he said. “It was a relief, though, to finally know that it came through.”
Work will begin this summer. It will include improved traffic flow and better motorist and pedestrian safety, as well as access points, allowing for further campus expansion — a project timed perfectly for the proposed construction of medical education building.
Todd Taylor, vice-president of post-secondary education at CPI, mentioned the expansion during this week’s press conference.
“The school is moving forward with a campus expansion plan that includes the addition of a health sciences building adjacent to Interstate 99,” he said.
He also applauded local leaders for supporting affordable, technical-level health sciences training for central Pennsylvania’s workforce. “CPI is extremely grateful for Sen. Corman and Rep. Benninghoff’s support in securing multimodal funds to improve campus infrastructure.”
Both politicians addressed the media at the gathering.
“As a result of this funding, traffic flow will be improved for students and patients using the campus, and make the facility safer,” Corman said. “I’m pleased we are making this important investment in this educational and health care facility.”
“CPI serves an important role in our community by providing the necessary training to prepare students and workers for in-demand and good-paying jobs,’ said Benninghoff. ‘I am excited to bring these dollars back home to improve CPI’s facilities, which will ultimately expand vocational and technical educational opportunities.”
Makin said funding options, including possible United States Department of Agriculture and state grant money, coupled with a low-interest loan, are being explored for the new building, and, “if all goes according to plan,” construction on the structure could begin as early as this fall.
The last expansion at the facility occurred in 2013 with the addition of the Transportation Training Center. Makin said then, again with the help of local supportive politicians, that facility was paid off in record time.
“We paid off that debt in less than a year,” he said. “We’re so fortunate for the support we get from our local politicians, as well as from the community. It allows us to create a better community for everyone to live in.”
Education at CPI began in the early 1970s, although the cornerstone of the building reads “1969.” Originally, the school served secondary-education students from Bellefonte, Bald Eagle, Penns Valley and State College. In the 1990s, State College students began to attend the district’s Career and Technical Center.
“We owe our growth to the dedication and hard work of our staff that are helping change the stereotype that we are ‘vo-tech,’” said Makin. “It’s a term we don’t use. We’re changing the mindset of parents, and they are encouraging their kids to at least explore opportunities that we offer. It’s a great time to be a part of CPI.”
