The Fall Occupational Advisory Committee met recently at the Carbon Career & Technical Institute campus.

The committee is made up of businesses from Carbon County that provide resources to the school and students.

“Without the OAC, we couldn’t have tech programs,” Administrative Director Brent Borzak said. “Your input is valuable, your input is needed, and your expertise in the field is needed in all the particular areas that you are in. You’re a guiding force here in career and tech ed; not only in Carbon County, but all over the state and country. You’re part of a big community and your role is very important to everyone in career and tech ed, and locally to our communities.”

Borzak said the school has 400 students enrolled in 14 programs. Some programs are full and have waiting lists.

New staff this year includes Carly Rinda, marketing; William Sorokin, HVAC; Mary Jo Sadusky, health medical assistant; Wendi Bartholomew, computer/electronics engineering technology; Henry Woods, school resource/police officer; and Michelle Allen, principal.

The school has two new student clubs in Podcast and eSports. A third new club, Publishing, is in the works to help with a school newspaper and other projects. The school operates a salon, a restaurant, and the school Store that are open to the public.

The school has two projects lined up for October.

The first Fall Festival Craft & Vendor event is 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the school. There will be food and activities, with a car show at 10 a.m. on Sat., More vendors are welcome; call 570-325-3682.

There will be an open house art show on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event features graphic design, culinary food, school merchandise, technical class showcase, and an academic class. The public is welcome.

Borzak gave a PowerPoint presentation on the status of the Carl D. Perkins Grant, administered by the state Department of Education. The purpose of the Perkins grant is “to develop academic/technical knowledge and employability skills of students.”

The Perkins Grant for this school year is $156,039.

Michele Klock, cooperative education coordinator, thanked those in attendance for their support, “whether it’s through donations for senior awards, hiring a co-op student, or coming in for a job panel. What you do is so helpful to our students.”

Following the meeting, attendees were treated to dinner prepared by Chef A.J. Burke and the students of the culinary arts program. Then participants visited the school classrooms and program areas.