Training Today, Careers Tomorrow

Please join us at our school wide open house on November 17, 2026. Feel free to stop in any time between 5pm - 7pm to see our programs, talk to instructors, talk with financial aid/admissions, and more!

This is a great time to check out our programs if you have been interested in touring or learning more!

• Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certification Program applications are being accepted for the summer 2027 session that will start May 15, 2027. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/part-time-programs-testing-and-certifications/expanded-function-dental-assistant/

• Electrical Trades Diploma Program next session will start in September 2027. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/full-time-programs/electrical-trades/

• HVAC Diploma Program next session will start in September 2027. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/full-time-programs/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-and-plumbing/

• Intergenerational Diploma Programs next sessions will start in August 2027. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/full-time-programs/intergenerational-programs/. Schedule can be found here: https://www.gactc.edu/about/calendar/.

• Medical Assistant Diploma Program - Hybrid starts January 25, 2027 and conclude October 15, 2027. The next in-person will start in September 2027. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/full-time-programs/medical-assistant/

• Phlebotomy Certificate Program spring cohort starts March 4, 2027 and concludes by June 18, 2027. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/part-time-programs-testing-and-certifications/phlebotomy/

• Practical Nursing Diploma Program - Full-time starts in August 2027. Part-time starts in 2028. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/full-time-programs/practical-nursing/

• Welding Diploma Program starts in September 2027. https://www.gactc.edu/adult-education/full-time-programs/welding/

Just a reminder, your clearances (part of the application process) have to be within one year of the program start date! Click on the "Learn more and apply here" link below to view the application process and requirements.

Contact our Admissions & Outreach Specialist to schedule a tour and/or work on your application documents!

Harleigh Cole

Call - 814-505-1276

Text - 814-201-1508

Email - harleigh.cole@altoonactc.edu

We are thrilled to have been named a winner in the Altoona Mirror Hometown Favorites awards for the “Continuing Education” category.

This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work of our instructors, the dedication of our students, and the strong support of our local community. We take pride in offering high-quality post-secondary programs designed to help adult learners gain real-world skills, advance their careers, or launch completely new paths.

Our post-secondary programs are built around hands-on experience. We believe the best way to learn a skilled trade or technical field is by doing it. That is why our adult learners spend significant time in our shops and labs using current industry equipment.

Every class is guided by experienced instructors who bring authentic industry backgrounds into the workshop and classroom. They know what local employers look for because they have worked in those industries themselves.

Whether you are looking to earn a certificate, learn a specialized skill, or transition into a new career field, the GACTC provides a welcoming, supportive environment for adult learners across Altoona and the surrounding region.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to our entire community for making the GACTC a trusted destination for career and technology education.

*July 2026 - Heather Roberts of the Medical Assistant Program

*September 2026 - Austin Kauruter of the Welding Program

Our programs work hard to train and prepare for certification testing. Certifications opportunities are listed below per program!

The 2027-2028 FAFSA for is now available! Please visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to start your FAFSA form.

Please contact our Financial Aid Officer, Dana Stoy, with any financial aid questions! Her office number is 814-505-1257 and her email is dana.stoy@altoonactc.edu.

Once a student, always a part of the family. We are checking in with our amazing alumni! Click the link to fill out our quick feedback survey. Let us know what you’re up to and how we can continue to make our programs even better.

If so, we'd love to hear from you! If you're interested in being featured in our Alumni Spotlight, please complete the Google Form by clicking the button below.

Our Alumni Spotlight highlights what our graduates are doing today while also reflecting on their experiences at GACTC and the impact their education has had on their career journey.

Visit our website linked below to see the variety of online programs that are offered through Ed2Go!

The GACTC offers several industry-recognized certification and testing options including:

• American Welding Society as an Accredited Test Facility
• Various certifications through National Healthcareer Association
• PA Vehicle Emissions testing

The GACTC can offer customized training – it’s a great way to invest in your employees and your business! We’ll work with you to develop customized training that can be delivered at your company or our campus, depending on the training needs. Contact our Continuing Education office today at 814-941-8324 or adulted@gactc.edu to discuss your needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

As the programs are off to a great start - so are the student activities! Starting off strong with free Altoona Curve tickets to students that wanted to go to the curve game on 9/12. We set up an information table, where Heather (our July student of the month) provided free vitals for people that stopped by. We also had our furry friends from Paw Zone stop by for a great therapy dog session!

Our career and technical education programs offer select services and products to the public, giving community members the opportunity to support hands-on student learning. From vehicle detailing, oil changes, and salon services, to custom items created by our Finished Carpentry students, these opportunities allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings while gaining valuable experience in their chosen trades. By supporting our programs, you’re helping prepare the next generation of skilled professionals while connecting with the talent and resources available right here in our community! To learn more about these opportunities, please contact the GACTC at 814.941.8324.

Are you interested in purchasing GACTC apparel? The GACTC has worked with BSN Sports and Deco Apparel to set up online apparel stores. You can order through either of our online stores at any time throughout the school year. Both sites offer a variety of brands and styles at different price points with online ordering and payment. Items are shipped directly to your home.

*For BSN Apparel, orders can be placed and paid for at any time throughout the school year directly on the website.

*For Deco Apparel, orders will be processed the 1st and 16th of every month and take 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Happy shopping!