PHILADELPHIA, September 30, 2023 – Community College of Philadelphia celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) in West Philadelphia. Community members, students, and College faculty and staff filled the center for the celebration.
Attendees enjoyed free food from local businesses, heard from College leadership, toured the state-of-the-art facility, and learned about education opportunities at the CATC.
The celebration recognized the first anniversary of the center, which officially opened for classes on Sept. 6, 2022. Since then, more than 700 students across credit and non-credit programs have attended classes at the facility.
Speakers included Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals, College president; Jamie Haberle, Central City Toyota general manager; Joshua Rhule, a second-year student in Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training and Education Network); Harold T. Epps, College Board of Trustees chair; Ayanna Washington, executive director of the Career and Advanced Technology Center; and Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, Community College of Philadelphia Foundation president.
“We know the city and the surrounding areas need trained employees. That’s what this state-of-the-art facility is here for,” said Dr. Generals during the block party speaking program. “We are going to continue to grow, both in terms of space as well as programs. We enjoy the support of many partners, many of whom are here today. Hopefully, this will be a catalyst to engender more partners.”
The Career and Advanced Technology Center offers short-term career training and degree programs for all types of schedules. Some programs prepare students to enter the workforce quickly and provide credits toward an associate degree, enabling students to earn an education at their own pace. Course programs include health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation technologies, and much more.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity that the T-TEN program has provided me with,” said Joshua Rhule, Toyota T-TEN student, during his speech. “I have received a substantial amount of one-on-one time with my instructors and mentor, and the hands-on experience I’ve gained has made a significant difference. Here, I have the opportunity to learn real-life scenarios that prepare me for a career in the field as a professional.”
The celebration concluded with a live, on-site broadcast by WURD Radio host Andrea Lawful-Sanders. Sanders spoke with automotive students, an Electro-Mechanical student, instructors at the College, and College leadership.
The block party celebration took place on Sept. 28, 2023, at the Career and Advanced Technology Center, 4750 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139.
About Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For more than 50 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 700,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses, and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity.
For information on the College’s degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.
